RSVP Food Pantry Drive deemed a success

The Northeast Iowa Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) conducted its fourth annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day paper and personal care item drive in support of the area food pantries in Allamakee, Howard and Winneshiek counties. Beginning January 15 and continuing until February 1, 16 RSVP volunteers from the three-county area collected, sorted and distributed over 1,800 items and over $750 for the seven food pantries in the three-county area.
The Allamakee County Food Shelf in Waukon received in excess of 20 pounds of soap, shampoo, toothbrushes, toothpaste, toilet paper, other personal care items and cash donations.
This year’s campaign received extra help from volunteers involved in the Disney Corporation’s “Give-A-Day-Get-A-Day” program. In Waukon, the Dwight and Danette Jones family volunteered through the Disney program by conducting the Martin Luther King, Jr. food drive for Allamakee County at St. Patrick’s Catholic School and at the Robey Memorial Library in which they took over 65 items and cash donations to the Allamakee County Food Shelf in Waukon. Anyone wishing to make a donation to the Allamakee County Food Shelf may contact Alaine Meier at 563-568-4088 or drop it off at the food shelf at 1125 West Main Street, Lot #39 in Waukon Thursday mornings.
The RSVP program draws upon the skills and interests of a diverse group of volunteers to serve the needs of the community. In order to become an RSVP volunteer, one must be at least 55 years of age. Individuals are able to determine the time, locations and schedule they would like to spend volunteering. Volunteers are also able to schedule their time around vacations and other commitments.
Orientation and training for new volunteers is provided through the RSVP program and the sites where volunteers will be serving. The RSVP program currently includes six volunteer locations within Allamakee County and is working to increase the number of locations and volunteers in the county.
For more information about joining the RSVP program, visit the RSVP office at Decorah Public Library or call Director Kathy Barloon or Volunteer Coordinator Lyle Otte at 563-382-3717 or toll free at 877-806-0623.