THE PUBLIC MIND: DISTRIBUTION CENTER WORKED

To the Editor:

With the closing of Heartland Cares Food Distribution Center, it seems timely to relect on its beginnings and to update the status. Food distribution ended Sept. 10, while cleaning supplies were available until Sept. 24.

At the July Board of Directors meeting of FISH Volunteers of Cape Girardeau, it was noted that food requests had increased substantially due to the increasing flood crisis. The board authorized its representatives to approach representatives of the American Red Cross and Salvtion Army to create a central distribution location for food and attendant supplies for flood victims. These efforts resulted in the establishment of Heartland Cares Food Distribgution Center at 80 Plaza Way. With the donation of use of the prmises by the Popp Family (Georgell Investment), the food and supplies donated at the KFVS-TV Telethon and money from Chruch World Services, the operation was hastily put together in a matter of days and began distributing food and supplies July 30. (Participating agencies have been FISH, Red Cross, Salvation Army, Chruch World Services and East Missouri Action Agency.)

The operation served repeated requests for commodities, serving 2, 000 people, making two to six visits. Some 150 volunteers staffed the operation.

This has been quite a rewarding adventure, particularly hearing the expression of gratitude from many of the recipients of the commodities. With my whole heart, It thank all those who came together to make Heartland Cares Food distribution Center such a timely hyelp...the contributors, the volunteers, the media and many others. May it not be necessary again...but if the need again arises, may such an enterprise come together quickly in the same unity of purpose.

GIL DEGENHARDT

Center Coordinator

Cape Girardeau