Hanging on the wall of Humboldt’s senior center, someone scribbled on a small sign, with tongue in cheek, “senior citizens are leading carriers of AIDS” — hearing aids, Rolaids, walking aids, you get the drift.
In a serious vein, the center is a terrific advantage for the elderly, as well as others who may rent it for events. It also is the go-to place for the hungry.
From 5 to 6 p.m. each Tuesday any Humboldt resident may come to the pantry, mark their needs on an easy-to-use form, and a covey of eager volunteer responds.
I’ve known of the pantry for some time, similar to ones in Iola, but I had no idea what occurred in the two old store buildings of my youth, brought together to make the spacious senior center.
LaDonna Krone, who ably manages the pantry, filled me in. She makes sure the pantry is well-stocked and that it is a ready source of benevolence for those who suffer from financial reverses, no matter the duration. Fact is, no questions are asked. If you need help, just drop by.
From her frequent excursions to area stores, Krone knows the area bargains.
Monarch Cement Company, in cooperation with employee efforts, just donated better than $8,000 to help keep the pantry stocked — an annual project. The huge ag company Monsanto, through grants awarded on behalf of two areas farm families, Dale and Judy Daniels and Curt and Alisha Mueller, twice has given $2,500. Others in the community often throw a lifeline.
Volunteers show up each Tuesday evening and have advantage of supplies carefully arranged to coincide with the want lists, another chore Krone directs and watches over like a mother hen.
On our stint as volunteers Beverly and I grabbed a little metal shuttle and waltzed into a walled-off area where food and toiletries are kept on metal shelving. I tossed in a sack of frozen meat, from one of nine freezers, then we filled two large grocery bags with essentials including some items of clothing.
For years the volunteers have made the pantry a destination for folks who otherwise would have had to do without, a shameful situation in a land of plenty.
All of us can be charitable in some way. Food pantries are one of many opportunities that await.
