Area Food Pantries Get Boost

unitedwayswm-12
unitedwayswm-12

Dozens of food pantries in Berrien and Cass counties have stocked shelves thanks to the efforts of 26 businesses that took part in the United Way of Southwest Michigan’s “Christmas in June” challenge. Over 20,000 items have been delivered to 32 pantries to help those who need it, as summer donations typically fall dramatically and leave people with limited options. The United Way says four companies competed to see which could collect more items: Indiana Michigan Power, Gast Manufacturing, Spectrum Health Lakeland, and Whirlpool. Indiana Michigan Power came out on top with 12,000 food items collected, and between the four accounted for 18,600 of the items donated. Christmas in June is part of a worldwide United Way “Day of Action” effort in June, during which tens of thousands of people across the globe volunteer with local United Ways to fight for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in every community.