Food supply low at Christian Needs Center

Christian Needs Center director Jessica Larson explains that the food pantry needs donations to help provide boxes of food for families during the Christmas season. Along with canned veggies, fruit, tuna and soup and cereal and rice, shampoo and soap are good to donate. [Click to enlarge]

Director Jess Larson is hoping donations will pick up again soon so families in need won't have to worry about putting food on the table.

"We've seen quite an increase in the people who use our services," Larson said.

Some have moved into the area, while others may had their hours cut or be out of a job, she said.

During August, 170 people shopped at the Christian Needs Center for clothing and food, and in some instances, school supplies for children. In September, even with being closed a few days, the center served 133 people.

From January to June, donations to the center were good, according to Larson.

"Clothing comes in good," she said. "Food trails off in the summer months."

She's hoping those food donations will pick up, so the center can provide food baskets for each family in the adopt-a-family program this Christmas holiday season.

Larson is busy setting up the 2009 adopt-a-family program, working with the Department of Human Services, Mid-Sioux and The Living Center to make sure all qualifying families are taken care of.

"Right now we have 130 kids on the list already," Larson said.

The center also needs money to operate and carry on the day-to-day services.

"Money donations aren't coming in as fast," said Larson.

Churches and organizations are helpful in gathering food donations for the center, as well as individuals, she said.

When food donations don't come in, the center has to use money donations to purchase food for the individuals and families. That's money the center could be using to keep its doors open and services operating.

"We really depend on those donations, as there are no grants for us to apply for," Larson added.

Sometimes, the people coming through the door don't just want food or clothes.

"A lot of people who come here just need a friend to listen," said Larson. "We sometimes have to refer them to other agencies to enable them to get the help they need."

That might include help with paying rent or utilities, or just getting to a job.

"This is the place they come to when they are in need," Larson said.

The Christian Needs Center serves people in all of Plymouth County, not just Le Mars.

Volunteer Pat Warner showed the shelves where canned and boxed food items are stored.

"In January these shelves were full and we had canned good stacked up along the wall," she said. "Now we're going to have get this re-stocked."

Larson said she is blessed with a group of faithful volunteers she can count on to help clients.

"For some people who come in for help, it's very black and white. They need help," said Larson.

For others, it's very difficult to come in and admit that through circumstances they are unable to provide for their family, she said.

"For many, it's a matter of pride," she said.

Larson noted those who wish to bring donations to the Christian Needs Center should bring them during business hours, Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday, 9 a.m to noon or 1 to 3 p.m.

Needed items include canned vegetables, fruit, tuna and soup, tuna helpers, cereal, rice, instant potatoes, cake mix, soap and shampoo.

"We've had people leave donations outside, and many times we can't use it because it's gotten wet or mice may have gotten into the bags or boxes," Larson said. "We don't have laundry facilities here. If it gets wet, we have to throw it away."

That's not something she wants to do with donated items.

Larson started as director of the center in January.

"I love what I do, even on a hectic day," Larson said.