ELLINWOOD — The Ellinwood Food Bank has been around for 25 years, providing food to those who are in need. Karen Schmidt will now be in charge of the program, taking the reins from Lorraine Rickert. Schmidt has announced new hours for the Food Bank.
The new hours are from 2-5 p.m. on Mondays and 4-7 p.m. on Thursdays beginning the first of June with the goal to be open and grow. The new hours are because of an increase in the number of people who need help.
They are also available in case of emergencies.
The food bank is for Ellinwood residents only. Those in need will need to bring proof of residency.
The new food bank hosted the Chamber of Commerce coffee last week.
Rev. Jeffrey Frakes introduced Schmidt to the crowd and said she will be introducing some new changes.
"The community has always taken care of the Food Bank," he said. "We are blessed and able to do some different things."
As always, the food bank is always accepting food, but they are most in need of peanut butter, cooking oil, jelly and canned fruit. Schmidt said they would take fresh produce to give out if gardeners had extras to share.
Rickert will still volunteer for the food bank. "It's a wonderful feeling helping people in need. We have the most charitable community. People respond so well to take care of the needy. (Ellinwood) is a great place to live."
She said that she loved being the overall chair person.
The food bank is located at the Immanuel United Church of Christ, 701 N. Fritz Ave. In addition to food, they also have toiletries such as soap,
Those in need can speak to any of the pastors in town. In addition, Schmidt said they are looking for people to serve as volunteers, especially men.
The new telephone number for the food bank is 620-564-3044.
Frakes thanked everyone for their support of the food bank and efforts to help those in need.