The Lewisburg-Fairlea Food Locker is inviting the community to assist with a Fundraiser and “Stock the Store” Food Collection at the Irish Pub in Lewisburg. Between now and Feb. 22, folks can bring food donations to the Pub. Some recommendations include canned goods, especially fruits, pasta sauce, jams, salad dressings, soups and vegetables. The collected items will be on display in the window of the Bodega Store at the Pub. On Sunday, Feb. 22 from 3 to 7 p.m. there will be a fund-raising event including music and a silent auction. The music will be provided by Little Sparrow, Mary Dailey and Rachel Johnson, the Fairlea Trio, Patrick O’Flaherty and Jim Morgan. Admission is a financial or food donation.
The Lewisburg Fairlea Food Locker is located at the Old Stone Church and serves residents of the Lewisburg area, including Caldwell and Fairlea. Most recipients are seniors, disabled or folks living on fixed incomes or families with children who meet the financial guidelines. Every month, volunteers from the participating churches distribute food to approximately 150 residents of Lewisburg Manor, Tabor Towers and Morgan Manor. On the same day, about 75 families or individuals come to the Church Fellowship Hall to pick up food. In January approximately 300 bags of groceries were provided to 380 people even though it was a cold and blustery morning. The numbers served by the Food Locker continue to increase.
The Food Locker obtains food from the Mountaineer Food Bank in Gassaway, which is provided at no cost by the USDA. In addition, a variety of frozen meat donated by firms such as WalMart and Krogers and frozen before the must sell date, is purchased. Food to supplement that received by the Food Bank is purchased from Cornerstone IGA. Food donated by groups, individuals, businesses and local churches is also added to the bags.
The Food Locker relies on the support of participating churches but the assistance of the community members and groups is also vital. Together we can assure that no one in our area will suffer from a lack of food. We hope to see everyone on Sunday, Feb. 22 at the Irish Pub.
