The Town Pump Charitable Foundation hopes to raise over $3 million in its 13th annual fundraising campaign for food banks across Montana, including Haven House in Hamilton, Pantry Partners in Stevensville and Darby Bread Box.
A record 73 food banks are participating in the statewide “Be A Friend in Deed, Helping Those In Need” campaign this year.
The campaign has raised about $16 million for food banks statewide in 12 years, including $2.8 million in matching grants from the Town Pump Charitable Foundation. As part of this year’s campaign, the Town Pump Charitable Foundation will match up to $500,000 in contributions to participating Montana food banks made now through November 30, 2014.
Locally, the Foundation will match up to $8,000 on behalf of Haven House, $2,500 on behalf of Pantry Partners, and $2,000 on behalf of the Darby Bread Box. All funds raised will benefit the Bitterroot Valley exclusively.
The money is used to purchase perishable food items such as milk, bread, fruit and vegetables. Also, the funds are becoming more crucial in helping many food bank organizations simply stay open through payment of rent, utilities, and space for storage, refrigeration and freezing.
“We are extremely grateful for the Town Pump fundraiser,” said Judy Williams, of Haven House. “We’re so tickled with the community support, as well,” she added, which always allows her organization to take full advantage of the matching grant.
Sue Pearson, of Stevensville’s Pantry Partners, agreed. “We really appreciate the matching funds from Town Pump,” she said.
The “extra boost” of the Town Pump fundraiser helps Pantry Partners keep up with a growing demand, she said. “And we’re very appreciative of the community support,” she added.
The demand for services at the Darby Bread Box is increasing, as well.
“Darby Bread Box is so grateful to Town Pump for including us in their annual fundraiser,” said the organization’s Mary Lockwood. “Our number of households are increasing each month and with the increase of food prices, it is getting more difficult to fill our clients’ boxes.”
She said that without the help of organizations and private donors, “we would have a hard time keeping our doors open.”
“Thanks to everyone who supports us,” Lockwood said.
“Many Montana families don’t have enough to eat,” said Maureen Kenneally, of the Town Pump Charitable Foundation. “Through the dedicated efforts of our food bank partners and the generosity of thousands of Montanans, we are making a difference in the lives of our hungry neighbors.”
In Hamilton, donations are being collected at the local Town Pumps, Lucky Lil’s and Magic Diamond casinos, and the Townhouse Inn. Donations also can be sent directly to Haven House at P.O. Box 1343, Hamilton MT 59840.
In Stevensville, donations for the campaign are being collected at the local Lucky Lil’s Casino and the Florence Town Pump. Donations also can be sent directly to Pantry Partners, P.O. Box 806, Stevensville MT 59870.