By SHERI GASSAWAY
Correspondent
Jefferson County, MO – When the Arnold Food Pantry’s thrift store closed its doors last month due to the coronavirus pandemic, it placed a heavy burden on the food pantry because revenue from the store represents 40 percent of the pantry’s budget.
Phil Amato, chairman of the food pantry’s non-profit board, put out a call for assistance, and Laborers Local 110 stepped up to help, donating $1,000.
“Local 110 has always been a great friend to the Arnold Food Pantry donating more than $35,000 since 2012 and over four tons of canned goods from their annual family picnic at Grant’s Farm in the last two years,” Amato said. “We are truly blessed to have such a great partner in feeding the hungry.”
The $1,000 gift to the food pantry was in addition to a recent $2,500 donation Local 110 made in March as sponsors of the pantry’s annual concert fundraiser at Rickman Auditorium in Arnold.
The April 25 concert, featuring Butch Wax and The Hollywoods and Billy Peek, had to be postponed because of coronavirus restrictions, but Local 110’s Rob Reed made sure the $2,500 donation made it to the pantry.
“Our membership is glad to help when needed,” Reed said.
The Arnold Food Pantry is the largest non-denominational food distribution center in the St. Louis region that does not receive any city, state or federal funding. Its service area covers most of northern Jefferson County and all eligible veterans in the county.
Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, the pantry has been providing food to over 1,100 people on a monthly basis through a drive-thru operation that allows clients to remain in their vehicles.
For more information on the pantry or to donate, call 636-287-3663 or visit wefeedthehungry.org.
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