St. Francis Conference of St. Vincent de Paul President Mary Gagara and Vice President Fran Gundlach shared an update on the food pantry at Monday’s Golden K meeting. From left: Gagara, Golden K President Lois Outselt and Gundlach.
Joan Joppi
Daily News
KINGSFORD — The sunshine got people talking, the singing louder and a sense of happiness spread throughout the room, and Golden K’s senior students started Monday’s assembly in high spirits.
Lois Outselt quickly gathered the group together for the opening ceremony. Alice Darwinski, who knows her way around the piano, prepared songs that fit the upbeat mood of the day. Together, they led the singing. They took the group on a “sentimental journey” through the songs, from “Side by Side” to “Take Me Out to the Ball Game.” The seniors showed off their fine voices as they musically reminisced on familiar songs from the past.
As tunes blared, a “Welcome Song” was sung for guest speakers Mary Gagara and Fran Gundlach from St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry in Iron Mountain. Also on hand was RSVP Director Kathy Arnold from Dickinson Iron Community Services Agency, who offered congratulations to the group. Happy birthdays to Golden K members Gilbert Engel, Ginny Determan, Pat Polzin and Ben Determan. A special anniversary celebration was given to Joe and Janice Santi after 69 years together.
Happy Dollar’s thoughts also included gratitude for being together, for grandparents being able to spend precious time with their grandchildren, and for Bill Roberts celebrating the birth of his 26th grandchild.Sharon Scholke was the lucky winner in the 50-50 drawing.
President Outselt introduced Mary Gagala and Fran Gundlach of St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry in Iron Mountain, who shared details about the organization’s founding.
Originally located behind the St. Vincent retail store, little information has been released about the local store, which began in a room at the American Martyrs School in October 1973. It moved to Hewitt Street in 1976 for eight months, then opened a second store on Hewitt Street where it operated for 16 years.
The current building was acquired after a fundraising effort in 1993. With their goal in mind, Deacon Don Christie and Dr. Fornetti raised enough money to purchase and renovate the current building, recruit volunteers, and organize donations. Today, they continue to rely on volunteers and donations.
There are 25 volunteers who provide a variety of services. They assist clients who come in for food, supplies and other services.
On Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, staff are available from 9 a.m. to noon. We have limited resources to assist clients with needs such as utilities, vouchers, gas and accommodation.
Last month, they served 193 families, including 169 children, 73 seniors and 38 veterans. They supply gift baskets for Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter.
Donations from local businesses helped make this possible. Due to a lack of adequate housing and the suspension of The Light at the Inn program, the food pantry is assisting with emergency hotel/motel lodging. LATI has committed resources to help the St. Vincent Food Pantry continue to support the community.
Thankfully, there are many organizations in the area that serve those in need, so consider volunteering or donating a day or two – you’ll be amazed at how good it feels to support your community.
Golden K will meet on Monday at 10 a.m. with a guest speaker from TRICO Opportunities who will provide the group with an update on facilities and services. Everyone is welcome to attend.
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