WATERTOWN, New York – Donations flooded into Jefferson County Social Services over the weekend, thanks to a dedicated team of volunteers sorting through the generous contributions.
Jefferson County Social Services Commissioner Karen Marcum expressed her gratitude, saying, “It’s incredible to see the community come together like this.”
Typically, large food drives aren’t common in the area, but recent events have changed that. The recent government shutdown increased food insecurity, leaving many families struggling even after it ended. “People are really concerned,” Marcum noted. “We’ve seen long lines at food banks, and many local pantries need support.”
Volunteers sorted donations into different cubicles for local organizations like the Salvation Army and St. Mary’s. Some volunteers, who work in social services during the week, donated their Saturday to help. Kate Albrecht Fidler, one of the volunteers, has noticed a rise in requests for assistance. “It’s affecting all types of people, regardless of their background or income,” she said.
The impact of the shutdown reaches far and wide. Shannon Messier, who volunteered with her son, shared her own struggles. Her husband, a federal worker, has gone without pay for weeks. “It affects everyone in the community,” she remarked, highlighting how widespread the problem is.
Her son, John, echoed her sentiments, expressing a desire to help. “Doing community service makes a difference,” he said.
Jefferson County has 19 food pantries, and 17 of them sought support ahead of this drive. According to the Feeding America report in 2022, food insecurity affects about 10.5% of households in the U.S., a statistic that shows the rising need for resources like food banks.
As communities come together during tough times, it reminds us of the strength we can find in one another. For those interested in contributing or learning more about local initiatives, you can visit Feeding America for further information.
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