Turkey for Everyone Those in need receive fresh food boxes
Because of an anonymous $20,000 donation and a collaboration with Sprankle's Neighborhood Market, a new venture by the Saxonburg Service Unit of the Salvation Army is ensuring underprivileged residents of Southeastern Butler County have monthly access to fresh food.
Karen Boltz, human services coordinator for the service unit, said the unexpected and generous donation included wishes that the money be spent on providing food to those served by the Saxonburg Service Unit.
So Boltz and her husband, Marlin, approached Doug Sprankle for help in selling them the food and providing a cooler to store it in between the time when the boxes are packed and the next day, when they are distributed.The Boltzes discussed with Sprankle the potential items to put in the boxes, based on the popularity of fresh items he sells.In addition to buying the food from Sprankle's and storing it in their cooler, the Boltzes bought $25 Sprankle's gift certificates to include in each box, so recipients could come back and get any ancillary ingredients they might need to prepare the food.
The first fresh food box in October contained chicken, hamburger, onions, potatoes, carrots and seasoning packets for the meat.“We tried to target things people can't get at a food bank,” Karen Boltz said.She said the boxes were packed to provide food for one to three people.Those with bigger families got two or three boxes, Boltz said.
Recipients cannot buy items such as cigarettes or magazines with the gift certificates they receive, but purchases such as cleaners, shampoo, personal hygiene items and pet food are permitted.“We were thinking it would be helpful for them if they had some money to spend on things they couldn't normally buy,” Boltz said.She said in the first distribution in October, 37 boxes were handed out to 24 families. Family sizes ranged from one or two people to six or eight.
Boltz said all those who received boxes are families or individuals she has assisted with other needs in the past two years.She called or texted everyone on the list to tell them about the fresh food program.All who receive a box must sign up in advance and provide proof they live in the Saxonburg, Sarver or Cabot ZIP codes, their income level and a photo ID.The Thanksgiving boxes being distributed contain a turkey breast, potatoes, instant stuffing, yams, cranberry sauce, a bag of apples, a small pumpkin pie and ingredients to make green bean casserole.
Boltz said recipients come to her home in Saxonburg and pick up a voucher for the box, then present it at the office at Sprankle's.An employee of the market then retrieves the box for the recipient.The Boltzes could not say enough about Doug Sprankle's willingness to help out with the project.Sprankle and his wife even helped the Boltzes and service unit treasurers Ben and Sally Pletcher pack the boxes on the day before the October distribution.“Sprankle's makes it possible for a small service unit to do this,” Karen Boltz said. “They have their finger on the pulse of the community, and (Doug) helps every time he can.”“They are community minded, and not just with the Salvation Army,” her husband said.The Boltzes are especially grateful for the anonymous donor, who really made the program doable.“We are very grateful for the ability to offer more help to the people who need it,” Karen Boltz said.Those in the 16056, 16055 or 16023 ZIP codes who meet the Salvation Army income requirements and who need a box of fresh food can call Boltz at 724-816-0522.
