This Sunday, Nov. 24, from 3 to 8 p.m. at the popular Manitou venue Kinfolks (950 Manitou Ave.) the Manitou Springs Community Food Pantry will hold a major fundraiser to support its mission – and have a whole lot of fun doing it.
“It will be a musical extravaganza, filled with fun and fellowship,” said pantry volunteer Chelle Tomasik.
Tomasik said Kinfolks has donated use of the space and five different musical acts will appear to support the fundraising efforts of the pantry, which serves upwards of 80 families per week – double the number served just a few years ago.
There will also be a raffle with numerous prizes starting around 4 to 4:30 p.m. To enter, bring cash and/or nonexpired shelf-stable food items to donate to the pantry. Each dollar or item will translate to one raffle ticket, and attendees may put their tickets toward specific prizes, including a chance to win an overnight stay at Keithley Pines, use of the venue at Manitou’s First Congregational Church including use of the kitchen (perfect for family reunions, weddings, or parties), or an outdoor outlet by Marcus Electric, as well as numerous certificates for local restaurants and other businesses.
Tomasik said the best foods to bring are shelf-stable milks (including dairy alternatives like almond, oat, cashew or coconut milks) and soups, as well as holiday favorites such as cranberry sauce, stuffing mix and hot chocolate.
“Anything is appreciated” Tomasik said. “We try to have a selection of things so we can fit all special diets and preferences.”
Unlike many other food pantries, the Manitou Springs Community Food Pantry gives those who utilize its services the ability to choose what foods to take.
“We’re one of the few that give you the autonomy of shopping for yourself,” Tomasik said.
Tomasik told the Bulletin she is stepping back from 5.5 years of intense volunteer service to the pantry, having spent around 15 hours per week serving as the pantry’s primary coordinator, and more during busy times like the holidays. She said Marianne Rommerdahl will be largely taking over her duties, but that the pantry needs more volunteers to be fully staffed.
The pantry is open on Wednesdays at St. Andrews Episcopal Church (808 Manitou Ave.). Silver Key senior lunch attendees shop the pantry first and then the pantry is open to the general public from 1 to 2 p.m.
Tomasik said the pantry especially needs volunteers and food donations now because, while the number of pantry users has gone up, funding and the amount of food available from the food bank Care and Share has not.
“It’s a struggle to get nutritious food,” Tomasik said, adding, “We really want our community to come out and support the pantry.”
With her time as the main pantry coordinator coming to an end, Tomasik said she’s treating this fundraiser as her “last hurrah.”
“We really want it to be the best ever to get some food in there,” she said. “It’s really important for us to have this be successful to make it through the winter.”
Tomasik had parting words of praise and thanks for the other pantry volunteers and the Manitou Springs community.
“I want to thank our Manitou Springs community and all our volunteers for allowing me the blessing and privilege to help serve our very special village,” she said. “Thank you for all your support of us and me over these years, and in advance, for your continued love and support for our Manitou Springs Community Food Pantry. You make my world a better place.”
Those interested in volunteering may reach out at standrewsmanitou@gmail.com.
