On a recent afternoon visit to the Barton County Food Bank the volunteers were scurrying about trying to assist local residents who were overflowing the waiting room, many with children in tow, hoping for emergency food assistance. It clearly demonstrated the urgency of ongoing needs still existing for local families in Barton County as well as the critical commitment needed from the community for ongoing financial support for this worthwhile endeavor.
That was what was close to her heart when Sharon Ruble, owner of Persnickety’s Downtown Flea Market at 1201 Kansas made a commitment to develop marketing tools to assist in this funding need during 2013.
After an initial successful fund raiser earlier in the year Ruble developed a concept to market a special section of DVD’s in her store with $1 from each sale earmarked for the Food Bank. The project met with great success as Ruble is seen above presenting Evelyn Essmiller, co-manager of the food bank, a check for $600 as well as a jar of customer donations collected during that funding drive.
In accepting the check and jar of donations Bob Essmiller, food bank manager, commented, “This money is so greatly appreciated. Monies like these from committed individuals and organizations in Barton County are what keeps our food bank open, along with the dedicated volunteers from area churches who are the lifeblood of our organization.” He indicated that area churches rotate on a schedule with their church members volunteering to staff the food bank. This month First Presbyterian Church has stepped up to assist.
To continue to meet this need, Persnickety’s next funding project will be sponsoring an outdoor flea market outside and all around their current store from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. on June 1st in conjunction with Great Bend’s June Jaunt. Ruble indicates she will have a large portion of the event set aside full of tables with all items $.50 each regardless of value with all proceeds benefiting the Barton County Food Bank. She’s expecting a great turn out and another opportunity to make 2013 a banner year for funding assistance to this worthwhile community need.