Local Nonprofits Face Urgent Supply Needs

Marshfield, WI (OnFocus) Local nonprofits are facing urgent or pressing supply needs and are turning to their community for help.

The Hannah Center is in need of non-perishable food items such as dry goods and canned items.

“It has been a busy year at The Hannah Center, with a lot of moms, children and babies calling The Hannah Center home. With a full home, our food supply is running low,” said Tricia Fancher, Program Coordinator.

The nonprofit assists women in crisis by providing a nurturing environment to help them work toward a successful future. Part of the program is teaching residents the importance of family dinners.

“Each night of the week, one woman cooks for our entire Hannah Center family,” said Fancher. “Donations of the food items listed are of utmost importance to our program, and all the little bellies we fill each day.”

The Hannah Center has a low supply or is out of cereal, mac and cheese, boxed side dishes, pasta, flour, sugar; canned items including veggies (besides green beans), soups, fruits, ravioli, sauces; ketchup, peanut butter, jelly, and more. Items can be dropped off Monday through Friday from 9-3:30 p.m. at 212 E 3rd Street.

Its major fundraiser, the Giving for Life banquet, will take place Thursday, October 3. Tickets can be ordered online at www.hannahcenter.com. Additionally, raffle tickets for a Polaris 450 Sportsman can be purchased at The Hannah Center office.

Shirley’s House of Hope

Shirley’s House of Hope, a domestic violence shelter for women and their children which also offers addiction recovery services, is in need of toilet paper, paper towel, and 13 gallon garbage bags.

Funded solely through donations, the nonprofit relies on community support to meet resident needs.

“Many of the basic needs of our clients are met through material donations of things like toilet paper, baby diapers, and trash bags,” said Julie Cravillion, Director of Development and co-founder. “Donations like these and other essential living items help keep our overhead costs low so we can provide the best services possible for our clients and their children.”

Basic necessities help the shelter fulfill its mission to end the cycle of violence and addiction.

“The gift of a pack of toilet paper means that we can continue to take care of the basic needs of our clients while they take time out of life to work on breaking the violence or addiction cycles in their lives through our nine month healing program.”

Those who need directions for drop-off can give the shelter a call at 715-486-9000.

Soup or Socks

Coming off a slow summer for donations but with a steady need for its services, food pantry and clothes closet Soup or Socks is welcoming any assistance in stocking its shelves.

“Going into the fall and not having a formal drive planned, it is concerning the amount of items we are either low on or completely out of them,” said Cheryl Lewis Hartl, Soup or Socks Director.

Since September is Hunger Action Month, the food pantry is inviting the community to become a Pantry Partner for the next nine months, until May. To participate, partners can contact Soup or Socks for the most needed items for that month, purchase nine of that item, and drop it off. The first nine people who pledge to participate will receive a free ticket to the Empty Bowls event on March 14.

Donations of food items can be dropped off at 200 S. Lincoln Ave by 1st Presbyterian Church during the week from 12:30 – 3:30 p.m. or 9-12 p.m. on Friday, or by appointment. Call 715-387-1796 for more information.

The 14th Marshfield Rotary Winter Wonderland season benefiting area food pantries, including Soup or Socks, will take place Nov. 29 until Dec. 31. Since the season is naturally shorter this year, organizers hope that donations will remain steady coming off last year’s record-breaking season.

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