The Mercer County Bowling Hall of Fame board of directors recently approved three $500 donations to county non-profit agencies.
Because of the recent successes of their Bowling Hall of Fame induction banquets, the organization had accumulated more money than is needed to operate.
“We wanted to give back to the communities that have supported us through the years,” MCBHOF president Charlie Knott said.
Those present at the last board meeting voted to donate the money to the following non-profit organizations: The Community Food Warehouse of Mercer County, Farrell; Joshua’s Haven, Sharon; and the Grove City Community Food Pantry, Grove City.
The Community Food Warehouse of Mercer County’s mission is to provide low cost and nutritional food products in continuing and sufficient volume to its member agencies, which are addressing food insecurity issues that affect the unemployed, underemployed and needy throughout Mercer County.
The Warehouse does not supply food directly to clients, but solicits local grocers, retailers, and food manufacturers for affordable/low cost food products and warehouses them for its member agencies. For every dollar donated, the Community Food Warehouse is able to purchase $15 worth of food through the Feeding America network.
“We are so grateful for the unexpected gift, especially at this time as we gear up for the approaching holidays. We are expecting to continue to see a rise in families seeking emergency food assistance. This gift will certainly help to meet the ever growing need,” executive director Lori Weston said.
Joshua’s Haven was established as a non-profit by director and founder Sherry Swetz in August 2005, Joshua’s Haven found a home in 2008 when they purchased a building at 205 Bank Place, Sharon, and opened for business on Feb. 7, 2009.
According to Swetz, this is a city mission that provides emergency and temporary meals and shelter to homeless men. In addition, they provide programs to help these men secure employment and housing. Since opening they have also served one homeless woman and four homeless families. Joshua’s Haven is faith-based and offers Christian program services such as Bible study and prayer services for the men.
“We’re very grateful that we would be considered for this donation,” Swetz said.
Grove City Community Food Pantry – established in 1980 by the Grove City Ministerial Association to help three families who needed food – has grown to serving more than 520 families and 1,300 individuals, and gives out more than 1,400 bags of groceries a month to clients in the Grove City Area School District.
The food pantry spends about $3,000 a month on groceries and toiletries, and is funded through the Grove City Area United Way, state grants and business and private donations.
The food pantry is a member of the Mercer County Community Food Warehouse in Farrell and purchases food at a low cost from that organization.
“The Grove City Community Food Pantry would like to express their appreciation for this donation,” said Mary Kay Mattocks, treasurer for the organization. “The Pantry is so fortunate to have people who care and allow us to help those who need extra assistance.”
Published October 31, 2009 in Allied News. Pick up a copy at 201A Erie St., Grove City.
