Gouverneur Kiwanis Club Members Dawn and Dale Streeter of Gouverneur (left) presenting a certificate of appreciation to Price Chopper Store Co-Manager Randy Harris and Price Chopper Store Co-Manager Michael Petroffski for their efforts in aiding in the Gouverneur Kiwanis Club’s Annual Holiday Food Drive. (Lyle Hotis photo)
by Rachel Hunter
The Gouverneur Kiwanis Club recently presented a $480 check to Grace Food Pantry Founder Pastor Robert LaVeck of Gouverneur. As needs arise this winter season, this funding will help to meet the critical demand to fill local food pantry shelves.
The funding was raised alongside the collection of canned good and other non-perishable food items during the Gouverneur Kiwanis Club’s Annual Holiday Food Drive on November 27, 2019 that were also donated to the Grace Food Pantry. Gouverneur Kiwanis members and GHS Key Club Members were encouraging Gouverneurians to donate inside the Save-A-Lot Store, 210 W. Main Street, Gouverneur, and also outside the Price Chopper Supermarket, 389 E. Main Street, in Gouverneur.
The Gouverneur Kiwanis Club recently awarded certificates of appreciation to Save-A-Lot Store Manager Dale Cronk, Jr., Price Chopper Store Co-Manager Randy Harris and Price Chopper Store Co-Manager Michael Petroffski.
The Gouverneur Kiwanis Club is always humbled by the generosity of the Gouverneur community.
Did you know? The Grace Food Pantry opens its doors every Thursday to give to those in need. The food pantry has been in operation since 1999 in the basement of the Christian Life Fellowship Church, 52 Church St., Gouverneur, under the direction of Pastor Robert LaVeck. For the past 20 years, the mission of the Grace Food Pantry has always been about more than just food – providing for the physical needs and spiritual concerns of the North Country community as well.
Steeped in the bold aroma of prayer and with a small army of volunteers, the Grace Food Pantry is able to open its doors at 9 a.m. Thursday for North Country residents to receive fresh, frozen and canned foods – everything from meat, dairy products, farm fresh eggs, vegetables, fruit, carbohydrates, sweets, toiletries and so much more. The food pantry’s clients receive approximately seven days of food, once per month, with the opportunity to “glean” on a weekly basis.
All those who are interested in making a donation to the Grace Food Pantry are asked to contact Pastor LaVeck at (315) 287-7656 or (315) 287-2777. The Grace Food Pantry is able to distribute the food and other supplies, thanks to partnerships, grants, and generous donations. Pastor LaVeck said he is always grateful for contributions from local farmers, growers and agriculturalists.
In addition to food distribution, the Grace Food Pantry has also become a place for fire victims and others to get assistance (blankets, appliances, etc.). Already well-known as the largest food pantry in St. Lawrence County, the Grace Food Pantry received an uptick in clients in 2018 when the St. James Outreach food pantry closed.
Pastor LaVeck said anywhere from 1,000 to 1,500 people in the local vicinity now utilize the food pantry each month.
Grace Food Pantry also receives much financial and volunteer assistance from area churches. But, in order to keep up the good work of meeting the demand in the local community, the Grace Food Pantry needs donation now more than ever before. In addition to support from generous businesses and other funding sources, the Grace Food Pantry is turning to the generosity of the Gouverneur community to keep the food pantry in operation. And just recently, the Grace Food Pantry announced that in order to complete plans to be a designated emergency shelter, it needs a large generator that will keep all 27 freezers running during power outages. The cost will be approximately $20,000.
Donations of cars, boats, properties and cash donations will be gratefully accepted. For more information, call (315) 287-7656 or (315) 287-2777.
The Grace Food Pantry also is always in need of volunteers, especially to unload the food-laden trucks. Call the aforementioned number to get your name added to the list.
The Grace Food Pantry is open every Thursday, 9 a.m. to noon. For more info, call (315) 287-7656. All donations are encouraged and will be accepted. Make checks payable to Grace Food Pantry, 52 Church St., Gouverneur, NY 13642.
Gouverneur Kiwanis Club Members Dale and Dawn Streeter of Gouverneur (right) presenting a certificate of appreciation to Save-A-Lot Store Manager Dale Cronk, Jr. for aiding the Gouverneur Kiwanis Club’s Annual Holiday Food Drive. (Lyle Hotis photo)