Brecksville Pantry Helps Feed Local Families in Need

Anytime someone makes a donation to the , they’re helping their neighbors in need.

The food and toiletries that are collected are passed out monthly to low-income families in the area. If a Brecksville family expresses need, the pantry will help, said Laura Kalinowski.

Kalinowski has been in charge of the pantry for the past two years, but the Human Services program has been around for much longer than that. Currently, there are 19 families the pantry serves on the third Wednesday of every month.

Each family receives enough food for about three days, Kalinowski said. That includes food for breakfast, as well as lunch and dinner staples like tuna, spaghetti and soups. The pantry also buys fresh meat for the families.

“We try to do what we can,” Kalinowski said.

The pantry is supported by community donations, and Kalinowski said they haven't had trouble getting what they need.

“The people of Brecksville and the surrounding communities are very generous,” she said.

Do you want to help out families in Brecksville? It’s simple.

Donations can be dropped off at the . Here are a few tips from Kalinowski to keep in mind:

• The pantry can never get enough cereal, peanut butter and jelly. On the other hand, they have plenty of canned vegetables and tuna.
• Toiletries, like toothpaste and bath soap, are especially welcome.
• The pantry isn’t asking for gourmet items—think basics. What would you want if you were on a fixed budget?
• That being said, don’t donate expired food. The pantry only gives out food that is still within its best-buy date.

Brecksville Patch will be supporting the Brecksville Pantry throughout 2012 by writing articles about the pantry’s needs and highlighting the good they do. We’ll also be holding food drives, so watch the site for details.