Fish & Loaves Executive Director Mary Hollens (left) accepts a ceremonial check from Allen Park Kiwanis Club Secretary Margaret Pagnucco, Michigan District Governor-Elect Fran Babbage, Past Governor David Babbage, Allen Park Kiwanis President and City Councilman Tony Lalli, President-Elect Mark Brannon, Past President Don Yokley and current Treasurer David Goodwin.
ALLEN PARK — Members of the Kiwanis Club of Allen Park have donated $1,000 to the Fish & Loaves Community Food Pantry to provide food to residents of their city and six other Downriver communities.
Kiwanians said the donation to Fish & Loaves COVID-19 project comes at a time when the need for food soars during the pandemic and job loss in the region.
“We appreciate the support from the good people of the Allen Park Kiwanis Club,” said Fish & Loaves Executive Director Mary Hollens. “The need is great, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Kiwanis support is huge in their own community. Allen Park is one of the communities served by Fish & Loaves, so they are helping serve the people we serve.”
Hollens accepted a ceremonial check from Kiwanis secretary Margaret Pagnucco, Michigan District Governor-Elect Fran Babbage, Past Governor David Babbage, Allen Park Kiwanis President and City Councilman Tony Lalli, President-Elect Mark Brannon, Past President Don Yokley and current Treasurer David Goodwin.
Kiwanis is an international service club founded in 1915 in Detroit and is now found in more than 80 nations and geographic areas. The Allen Park Kiwanis Club has been serving the community, children and families since 1939 through volunteerism and financial support. Kiwanians are frequent volunteers at the pantry.
Typically, one of the community events includes an honors dinner for the top graduates of Allen Park and St. Frances Cabrini high schools, but that has been put on hold due to the coronavirus.
Fish & Loaves is a nonprofit 501(c)(3), client-choice food pantry whose mission is “ensuring no one goes hungry” in Allen Park, Dearborn Heights, Southgate, Taylor, Brownstown Township, Romulus and Woodhaven. The pantry is a faith-based, non-sectarian organization staffed by volunteers. Typically, clients can shop at no cost at the 12,000-square-foot pantry on Northline Road in Taylor. During the pandemic, food is served to clients in their vehicles.
Fish & Loaves spends $20,000 to $25,000 monthly to purchase food and relies on donations, grants, non-perishable food drives and fundraising events, including this month’s Happy Soles virtual 5K run and walk.
For more information about Fish & Loaves, go to www.flclp.org or call 734-442-0031 during business hours.