The Good Samaritan food pantry in Bellevue is used to providing food for close to 300 people each month. On Monday, Nov. 3 the organization, along with a small army of volunteers, fed close to 1,200 people during its annual Thanksforgiving Dinner.
The event is one of the major reasons the Good Samaritan can provide food to those in need within the Bellevue School district.
“We have entertainment for folks while they eat,” said Good Samaritan director, Max Troutner. “ It’s turned into a pretty big social event.”
People may come together to socialize that evening, but what they are really doing is helping to raise money for a very good cause. Troutner said the need for food from the pantry continues to increase. Thankfully, the community’s generosity has also increased, especially during the holiday season.
“We fed more people, made more money and cooked more turkeys than before,” Troutner said of this year’s fundraiser.
It took 150 volunteers, between preparation days and cooking days, to cook the 40 turkeys and 450 pounds of potatoes it took to feed so many in the community.
The Good Samaritan provides two weeks worth of food to those who need assistance living within the Bellevue School District. Individuals can receive food from the pantry once a month. Troutner said part of the challenge of operating the food pantry recently is the rising cost of food, which has coincided with the increased need for assistance in the area.
Fortunately, the pantry operates entirely with volunteers. Troutner said the administrative costs are close to none. The Bellevue United Methodist Church provides space from which to operate, though Good Samaritan is not affiliated with any church.
Food and monetary donations are always needed and welcomed, especially around the holidays. To make a food donation, contact Max Troutner at (269) 763-9497. Monetary donations can be sent PO Box 53, Bellevue, MI 49021 or taken to Hastings City Bank.
The Good Samaritan has also begun its Christmas Wish Star Tree program in which community members can purchase gifts for children in the community. Wish Star Trees are located at Riverside Café, Hastings City Bank, Independent Bank and Bellevue Hardware.
