Fundraiser to support Little Free Pantries throughout county
By Heather Ruenz
Staff Writer
In an effort to help those who are hungry, an area business and middle school recently teamed up on a special project.
Julia Ingersoll, who owns Wausau Homes of Elkhorn with her husband, Greg, said partnering with charitable organizations while promoting community awareness is a goal for their business.
“It helps us but is also good for those we team up with. We’ve been partnering with Elkhorn Area Middle School for other projects and were excited about doing it again,” she said.
The latest project was constructing five Little Free Pantries – or blessing boxes –possible thanks to area lumberyards as well as others who supported the project with materials and money.
“The best thing is the lesson for kids at a young age and that is to get involved in the community and see the needs,” Ingersoll said.
Two of the five boxes were built early in the spring of 2020 but then there was a delay due to COVID-19 and other factors but they picked things up this spring and now have the other three built.
Ingersoll said a fundraiser to help fill the boxes is taking place at DAS Fest, which is today, Aug. 13, through Sunday, Aug. 15 at the Walworth County Fairgrounds in Elkhorn.
“We’re calling it ‘Pack the Pantry’ and we have a list of items we’d like people to donate. For each item they bring – or for every $5 cash – they’ll be entered into a drawing to win $500 to spend at Lyle’s TV & Appliance in Elkhorn, and, if the winner chooses to build a home with Wausau Homes, that amount will be doubled to $1,000.
The list of items being accepted are: toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, deodorant, disinfecting wipes, feminine products, bar soap and body wash. Ingersoll said travel sized items are encouraged and four such items will also net an entry in the drawing.
Note that food items will not be accepted at this drive however, people can donate directly at any blessing box though they’re reminded to pay attention to the expiration dates on donations.
“The things most needed are instant meals like mac and cheese that only need hot water and/or a microwave. Also, try to stick to smaller sizes, not bulk, so it goes farther,” Ingersoll said.
The donations will support all 12 of the boxes located throughout the county and while the boxes aren’t meant to be the main source of food for those struggling, they do serve a need, she said.
“The blessing boxes are a supplement to the food pantries, who are doing an amazing job to help with food insecurity. And, there are some who don’t qualify for food pantry assistance but need help at times,” she said, adding that each box has a steward to ensure they’re checked regularly.
Ingersoll has a note found in a blessing box she said puts the need in perspective.
“… I wanted to write you a thank you letter. Whoever is maintaining/started this food box is my angel. I sleep in my car and I’m waiting for my food stamp card. Thank you from the bottom of my heart,” it says.
Maps of the blessing boxes in Walworth County will be available at the fundraiser.
