Christmas in July for Local Food Pantries
Plans are well underway for the 11th season of Rotary Winter Wonderland, and even though Christmas is still months away, the group is continually fulfilling their mission of feeding the hungry of Central Wisconsin. This month, a record $40,000 was donated to 28 local food pantries, including a $5,000 donation to the Nutrition on Weekends program offered through the Marshfield United Way.
“The mission of Rotary Winter Wonderland extends well beyond our winter collections,” said Dale Smith, Winter Wonderland Steering Committee Chair. “Through the generosity of those who visit our display in November and December and our event sponsors, we continue to help those in need in Central Wisconsin all year around.”
Rotary Winter Wonderland had a record setting year in 2015 and collected more than 62,000 non-perishable food items for 28 local food pantries. In total, Winter Wonderland has donated more than 450,000 items since it began in 2006.
“Donations are important all year, but we appreciate this coming in at time of the year when donations sometimes do not keep up with need,” said Cheryl Hartl, Director at Soup or Socks. “This was the case this year when our balances were low and we were looking at where to cut back on expenses.”
For Soup or Socks and other local pantries, it was Christmas in July thanks to Rotary Winter Wonderland.
“We are so thankful for the $15,000 that was received to allow us to continue to purchase needed food items (both perishable and nonperishable),” said Hartl. “July 28 was one of busiest days we have had all month!”
The 2016 season of the famous holiday light display will be getting started in few short months. Check back for more information on upcoming volunteer opportunities and more! Visit Rotary Winter Wonderland on Facebook.
