MENOMONIE, Wis. (STEPPING STONES PRESS RELEASE) – According to a press release from Stepping Stones of Dunn County, they have received two generous donations to provide turkeys and cover grocery costs for two weeks in the pantry. However, their need for support remains.

“An anonymous donor generously purchased 200 turkeys from the local Walmart to provide this Thanksgiving. In addition, Menomonie Rotary clubs stepped up and donated money to pay for 300 turkeys and 2 weeks of food to stock the pantry’s shelves with food. “It’s amazing to see the community recognize the need and step up in a way that affects hundreds of people,” said Corrisa Andrashko, deputy director.

These Stepped Up and Stepping Stones community members also need your support. 2024 has been a challenging year for the non-profit organization, which provides direct food assistance to more than 10 percent of Dunn County residents. It struggled to cover the increased costs of its food pantry and emergency shelter programs while receiving far less funding from government grants and corporate foundations than in previous years. “We average 50 new households per month in the pantry, with a 31 percent increase in secondary visits,” Villeneuve said. “To be able to provide turkeys to 500 families is a huge win and we are very grateful for the support. However, the need to cover costs for pantry staples is still there.”

Stepping Stones still needs support from individuals and organizations who have donated turkeys and hams to be distributed to the community in the past. It just needs a different kind of support. Basic food and financial donations are vital to the households they serve, especially during the last months of the year. “Please keep the support coming. We will use the funds to keep food plentiful in the pantry. In lieu of turkeys and hams, please consider donations of peanut butter, tuna, pasta and other staples to keep food on the tables of the thousands of individuals and families being served in Dunn County,” said Padraig Gallagher, Executive Director.

Copyright 2024 WEAU. All rights reserved.