Health & Fitness
Food "Pantry" at Y Stocks Up Far Beyond Holidays
Here's proof that one person can start something positive in the community and watch others take up the cause, too.
I wondered why somebody didn't do something. Then I realized, I am somebody. -- Source Unknown
This type of thinking inspired Michael Estwanick, district property manager for the YMCA of Greater St. Louis, to do something to fight hunger. So did the holidays, at least at first. "I've collected food every year at Thanksgiving," he said, "This year I put a pantry of shelving in the and asked members to fill it. The response was amazing. So we collected for Christmas, too. Again, a wonderful response. After we took away the shelves, members asked why. They didn't want to stop giving. So the shelves returned."
The food goes to the at the . "They are always pleasantly surprised by how much we deliver. And they are very appreciative of the food. The need is year-round, and food donations go down after the holidays."
Find out what's happening in Eureka-Wildwoodwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
In the past six months, Michael has taken more than 1,200 pounds of food to the pantry and the collection continues.
Congratulations Michael, for being a person who acts on a need and thank you, Y members, for your continued donations. Donations from the community are welcome.