| THANKS FOR THE HELPING HAND
The Hur Herald December fundraiser for Calhoun's Food Pantry raised $5,500, a little shy of the previous years effort.
Pantry manager Pete Trippett said every dime will be going toward the purchase and distribution of food to needy families.
The pantry is located at Grantsville's First Baptist Church, sponsored by Calhoun Chaplains Association and is supported by about 20 county churches and groups.
Trippett says he's grateful to the individuals and groups who donated to the drive, some very generously.
Trippett has manned the operation since 1992.
Pantry visits for food escalated sharply in 2014.
"Many of people who are coming don't want to use the service," Trippett said, "the unemployed, the working poor, the old and the young."
"Lots of them are struggling with unemployment, the high cost of food, and paying their utilities," he said.
Trippett said the face of hunger is changing.
"The entire Calhoun Food Pantry operation depends on community support, and we're grateful to those who give us a boost," he said.
"Community folks and church groups have generously helped," Trippett said, "but we're always facing new challenges."
"The food pantry doesn't put a bunch of strings or requirements on who gets the food," Trippett said.
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