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Stories of Hope

Mansfield's "Make A Difference" Donation Drive Benefits HOPE Pantry

The 19th Annual Make A Difference Day Food and Supply Drive in Mansfield, benefiting Catholic Charities HOPE Pantry and Harmony House, kicked off at 7 a.m. Friday, Oct. 21, in the parking area of Dan Lew Exchange. 

The collection continued all day at Catholic Charities HOPE Pantry, 523 Park Avenue East. 1,153 pounds of non-perishable food items and toiletries, and over $2,900 in cash donations were received at the pantry by 4 p.m. on Friday. Many thanks to all for your ongoing support!

"We've been busy," says Susan Dyson, Food Pantry Specialist in Mansfield. "We're seeing an increase in the number of homeless people. People living out of their cars. Several people have come in and said their rent has gone up dramatically $200 more a month and that money comes out of their food budget."

Right now HOPE Pantry needs pasta and noodles, canned meats, cereals, chili beans and spices for soup. One-pound packages of frozen meat can be dropped off directly at Catholic Charities HOPE Pantry and are always needed. Hygiene products, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, laundry soap, dish soap, feminine hygiene products, toilet paper and paper towels are also in demand.

Financial contributions are welcomed since delivery and food costs from the food bank to Catholic Charities continue to increase. “We can buy needed items at a much-discounted rate from the food bank," Dyson adds. HOPE Pantry donations can also be made online. 

If anyone wanted to have their donations earmarked for Catholic Charities to be picked up, they were able to call Catholic Charities Mansfield Office at 419-524-0733 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Doc Stumbo, organizer of the Make A difference Food and Supply Drive, arranged drivers to pick up and deliver donations directly to Catholic Charities HOPE Pantry.

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