Happy Thanksgiving from the staff and volunteers at the Geneseo-Atkinson Food Pantry! We are thankful for the generosity and good will of our community, throughout all the ups and downs!
Providing a family with the ingredients for a complete Thanksgiving dinner can bless those who find it challenging to add the cost of a Thanksgiving meal to their already stretched budgets. We will distribute Thanksgiving food baskets on November 18 and 19. Anyone wanting to sign up for a Thanksgiving basket should contact the Food Pantry at 944-3165 or geneseopantry1@gmail.com.
We are grateful for all the food that has been donated for Thanksgiving food baskets! If you are interested in donating for Thanksgiving or Holiday food baskets, we are still in need of: Turkey or ham, stuffing, mashed potato mix or bag of potatoes, gravy mix or gravy, cream of mushroom soup, french fried onions, cranberry sauce, sweet potatoes or yams, creamed corn, corn, sour cream, rolls, pie filling, pie crust or pie crust mix, whipped topping, butter, milk, juice or sparkling juice. Please bring items for Thanksgiving baskets by November 16.
Project Now is currently helping clients apply for energy assistance through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). LIHEAP provides federally funded assistance in managing costs associated with: Home energy bills, energy crises, weatherization and energy-related minor home repairs. Those in need of assistance can call the Henry County office at (309) 852-4565.
Many Geneseo and Atkinson residents receive clothing and household items from the Food Pantry to help them stay within their budget. Clothing and household items may be donated during business hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, 9 a.m. – noon and 1 – 4 p.m.
Our Volunteer of the Month, Linda DeSmith, has been volunteering at the Food Pantry for six years. She helps Food Pantry guests shop for food and helps bag their groceries. Linda has a husband, Dan, and two children. Her hobbies are playing pickleball, biking, reading, and kayaking. Linda said the best thing about volunteering is the friendly volunteers and smiling patrons. Her most memorable experience at the Food Pantry was helping with Christmas baskets for families. Thank you for volunteering, Linda!
The Food Pantry will be closed on November 25 and 26 for the Thanksgiving holiday.
Food needs for November are: Turkey gravy or gravy mix, French fried onions, cranberry sauce, sweet potatoes or yams, and pie filling.
Non-food needs include: Roasting pans, garbage bags, quart freezer bags, lotion, and mouthwash.