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According to its administrator, the Rev. Gary Daines, the thrift shop and food pantry, which provides families in Vernon County with clothing and household items at reasonable prices, continues to grow.
The Butikk plans a 24-foot-by-24-foot storage area with a loading dock.
“We have a growing base of customers, and with continued cost of living increases and higher fuel and utility expenses, the numbers aren’t going to get any smaller,” Daines said.
During the first six months of 2008, the Bethel Butikk and Food Pantry has seen a 20 percent increase in its requests for food and assistance with rent and utilities. As of June 30, rental assistance funds distributed stood at $9,500; security deposit assistance $2,500; medical funds $1,100; transportation assistance, including automotive repairs and fuel, $2,100; phone assistance $1,300; and utilities, including heating, an all-time high of $16,600.
Bethel Butikk funds were hit hard in April when families were forced to pay delinquent utility bills or have their utilities shut off.
The food pantry has also seen a big increase in the number of families needing assistance. More than 250 families used the food pantry from January through June.
“The need is definitely out there and we want to help, but our space is limited. The additional room will allow us to store more food and make fewer trips to Madison to restock the shelves — a good thing considering fuel prices,” Daines said.
Anyone wishing to donate food to the pantry should consider canned fruits, cereal and pasta products, which are always in high demand. Home-canned foods are not allowed to be distributed.
The Bethel Butikk resale shop provides an outlet for people to donate clothing and household items they no longer need but that are in good good condition.
“If it’s broke, don’t bring it, and if clothing is totally outdated, it won’t sell,” Daines said.
The Butikk is currently well-stocked and ready for the upcoming school year. It is accepting clean clothing and household items, which can be dropped off during business hours Monday through Friday.
Anyone wishing to donate to the building fund may contact Daines at (608) 634-3415.
Dorothy Jasperson is the editor of the Westby Times.
Gas, food, living costs are hitting people hard
Area food pantries are seeing record numbers of people this year because of the high cost of food, gas and living expenses.
“We do as much as we can to help people out, but sometimes it gets very difficult,” said Barb Smith, evening manager and client coordinator at WAFER Food Pantry in La Crosse.
Food shelf coordinators said they rely on donations and volunteers to keep going. If you’d like to get involved contact:
WAFER Food Pantry
403 Causeway Blvd., La Crosse, Wis. 54603
PHONE: (608) 782-6003
HOURS: 10 a.m. until 12:45 p.m. Monday through Friday, as well as 4 p.m. until 7:45 p.m Tuesday and Thursday.
Onalaska/Holmen Emergency Food Basket
735 Sand Lake Coulee Road, Onalaska, Wis. 54650
PHONE: 608) 783-7722
HOURS: 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on the second Saturday of the month.
La Crescent Food Share
21 N. Hill St., La Crescent, Minn. 55947
PHONE: (507) 895-4440
HOURS: 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. Monday through Friday at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in La Crescent.
