Butler County steps up, feeds neighbors
Jerry Harrison was terrified three weeks ago that the fallout from the coronavirus would deplete the shelves at the St. Vincent de Paul food bank and those who were laid off or let go as companies closed down would go hungry.
But Harrison soon learned that to the generous residents and businesses in Butler County, a stranger in need might as well be family.
Harrison, president at the Butler County Chapter of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, said the food bank normally serves about 25 families per day.
On Monday, 62 loads of food were placed into the trunks and back seats of vehicles arriving between 8:30 and 10 a.m.
Harrison said anyone in need who pulls up to the food bank on North Monroe Street receives a grocery cart-sized load of food, all thanks to the amazing donations he has received in the last three weeks.
Harrison said he received a letter from a woman whose young son found a dollar bill while rifling through his dresser drawer.
“He walked out to his Mum and said 'Would you send this to feed people?,' ” Harrison said. “And God love her, she sent that dollar.”
Another letter contained a note from an elderly woman in Renfrew who asked him to accept the “modest” $1,000 check attached.
“There's a lovely woman from Cabot who went to a meat market in Herman and gave them $500 for us to have any kind of meat that we need delivered to the food bank,” Harrison said.
His daughter opened a PayPal account to receive donations, and that amount has topped $4,200.“And it just keep coming in,” said Harrison, whose amazement and gratitude can be heard in his voice.Large grocery chains have also provided food, including baked goods, to accompany the families' meals.“Last Friday, we got five pallets of food from Walmart,” Harrison said. “The business and grocery community, they have just stepped up like you can't believe.”Each family arriving at the food bank receives 10 to 15 pounds of frozen meat, shelf-stable milk, five or six loaves of bread, assorted canned goods, fresh produce, potatoes, pasta and a dessert.“There were two little girls in the back of a car yesterday, and I walked out with a half sheet cake for the family,” Harrison said. “The one little girl in a car seat said 'Oh! It's my birthday!' ”He said all COVID-19 protocol is followed at the food bank, which once saw clients coming inside to fill out paperwork before receiving their food. Because of the pandemic, anyone in need can just show up during distribution time.Now, Harrison said cars pull up and volunteers bring the food out and place it in the trunk or occasionally, the back seat.All volunteers wear masks and gloves and remain at least six feet from clients and one another.“As long as we can keep people healthy at the food bank, we're good to go,” Harrison said. “That is my biggest concern right now, is for everybody to stay healthy.”He said he still cannot believe how generous the public has been as their neighbors have been laid off or suffered other financial woes as the pandemic plays out.“On behalf of myself and the whole organization, thank you Butler,” Harrison said.Donations, which are still needed, can be made by sending a check to Butler SVDP, 146 N. Monroe St., Butler, or by visiting svdpbutler.org and using the PayPal link.The food bank is open from 8:30 to 10 a.m. Monday through Friday at 146 N. Monroe St.
