Community steps up for Yule Feed

Posted: Dec. 11, 2012

The Sussex Food Pantry by November had already served as many families as it had in 2011, with still a month left to go. "We are looking at around 900 more (people in need of help this year)," said the pantry's executive director, Jennifer Waltz.

The numbers alone show the need throughout the Sussex area, which the pantry serves. Waltz said the pantry has been busier than ever helping clients, and she hopes to continue to generate exposure to attract more help.

"I think a lot of it is getting the message out there to the community on what we do," she said.

Beyond each month serving hundreds in need who come through the doors seeking help putting food on the table, Sussex Area Outreach Services, which the pantry runs under, helps area needy with other types of assistance as well, including keeping the heat on and a place to live.

This time of year might not be so cheery for those who can't make ends meet, who can't meet the basic needs so many of us take for granted. That's where the Sussex Lions Club steps in, providing 250 Thanksgiving meals to pantry clients this year. The group is looking to do the same for Christmas.

The Sussex Sun is joining the effort by matching donations the Lions receive at the Christmas meal drive this weekend. The Sun will match 70 cents per dollar donated and 40 cents per food item up to $500 as part of its Yule Feed Families food drive.

The Sun celebrated some unprecedented giving this week. We're excited to report the community has stepped forward in a big way to help the Sussex Food Pantry.

James and Linda Saladin led the charge, donating $1,500 to the drive. The Hamilton Jr. Chargers sixth-grade Red basketball team also played well, donating a $150 gift card, something the pantry needs at this time of year. And the Delbert-Marilyn Evans Trust donated $250 to the drive. These donations are greatly appreciated to help the Sussex community.

With the Sussex Sun's match, that brings this year's giving to $2,050 to help the Sussex food pantry. There's still time to help. The Sussex Lions will be at the Sussex Piggly Wiggly and Pick 'n Save from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 15-16, to accept donations to help fund the Christmas meals. If you can't spare a monetary donation, you can also donate food items for the pantry, which the Lions will deliver.

Waltz said food items the pantry needs include cereal, rice sides, canned tuna and baby formula. Christmas gifts are also sought for pantry clients. Gifts are needed until Friday.

And there's still one week left to help the Yule Feed food drive. You can send donations directly to the Sussex Sun at 810 Cardinal Lane, Suite 210, Hartland, WI 53029 or drop them off during normal business hours. Please make checks out to the Sussex Food Pantry.