Local giving opportunities

By Caroline Rosacker

Many of us in Clayton County are blessed with a roof over our head, plenty of warm clothing and more than enough to eat. But many are struggling with food insecurity, lack of suitable clothing, basic necessities, and dependable shelter. 

Thanks to the efforts of many, these needs are recognized and met through the generosity of the following charitable organizations and public contributors in Clayton County

Food donations

The Guttenberg Municipal Hospital & Clinics (GMHC) Family Resource Center needs your help to make Christmas special for area families. The food pantry, which is available through generous public donations, is in need of staple food items including corn, green beans, fruit, chicken broth, soup, tuna, pasta sauce, mac and cheese, stuffing mix, peanut butter, pasta, cereal, rice, cake/brownie mix, box meals (Hamburger Helper or rice sides ect.) pudding, Jello, and other holiday goodies. Food items need to be dropped off by Tuesday, Dec. 12. 

* * *

Outdoor clothing  and toy collection

In addition to the food pantry, the Family Resource Center is collecting new or gently used winter gear of all sizes including coats, boots, snowpants, mittens, hats and scarves. They also need your help to make Christmas time special for area children. There are several ways you can help:

• adopt a family

• donate toys and/or food

• donate cash 

• pick a child from the wreath at GMHC

If you need food, outdoor clothing, or gifts for a child, or know someone who does this Christmas, please call the Family Resource Center at 563-252-3215. To arrange pickup of a holiday food box stop by during office hours by Thursday, Dec. 21. Office hours are Monday and Wednesday 8 a.m. - 4 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Friday 8 a.m. - noon. The Family Resource Center is located at 514 South River Park Drive in Guttenberg. 

Shepherd of the Hills

Shepherd of the Hills Ministry is sponsoring their annual Christmas Just 4 Kids Project on Dec. 13 and 14.

The Holiday Shop will be stocked with NEW gifts of toys, games, books, puzzles, quilts, pajamas, etc.  "The response of donors and the children who receive these gifts is overwhelming," say organizers. "The families are overwhelmed with a sense of joy and delight in choosing items their children are in need of or want."

Monetary donations can be mailed to Shepherd of the Hills, PO Box 36, St. Olaf IA 52072, with Christmas in the memo line. All money donated is used to purchase items not donated. NEW donations of gifts can be brought to the St. Olaf Auditorium on Dec. 7, 8 and 11 between the hours of 9 a.m.-3 p.m. or any other day by appointment.  

The Christmas Just 4 Kids Project is a combined effort of Toys for Tots - Dubuque, numerous area churches, businesses, Clayton County Agencies,  and other generous donors. Any questions or comments can be directed to shephill@neitel.net or by calling the office at 563-783-2409.

Clayton County Food Shelf

The Clayton County Food Shelf, located at 100 West Hill Street in St. Olaf provides emergency food supplies to Clayton County (and the immediate surrounding counties) residents in crisis. Every family or individual is provided with enough food for one week.

The Clayton County Food Shelf depends on Food Shelf Sunday, the first Sunday of every month at all churches in Clayton County. Every parishioner attending church is asked to bring a non-perishable food item or non-food (toiletry) item for the food shelf. 

Donations of perishable and non-perishable food items, or non-food items can also be dropped off during business hours Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon and 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Monetary donations can be mailed to: Clayton County Food Shelf P.O. Box 48, St. Olaf, IA 52072.

For additional information contact Utoni Ruff at 563-783-7794 or claytoncountyfoodshelf@gmail.com