By Mark Constance
ROSCOMMON – The Roscommon County Food Pantry is still up and running, despite the expiration of its 501 (c3) status.
Roscommon County United Way has volunteered to take responsibility for the Pantry, allowing it to operate under its umbrella until the certification can be reinstated. All re-certification paperwork has been submitted to the proper agencies.
United Way director Tom Petite said the board of directors of the food pantry is not prepared to “place blame on any one person. This happened due to a break in communication between the board and executive director.”
At the moment, the pantry’s website and Facebook pages have also been disabled. United Way Director Tom Petite said the board is attempting to get them reactivated.
Regardless, volunteers and staff of the Pantry and United Way are continuing their mission to care for those who need a hand.
“The board is committed to keeping the pantry open, in spite of the roadblocks placed to prevent us from continuing operations,” Petite said. “We are doing everything we can to keep things moving in a positive direction.”
The Pantry has just started gathering donations for its Fifth Annual Holiday Food Drive. In the past few years, the group has raised enough money and received donations to supply 50 family dinners for Christmas and Thanksgiving. Apex Insurance Services is spearheading that effort.
The pantry is located at 725 Loxley (in the Save-a-Lot plaza). Regular hours are Monday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Thursday from 2-5 p.m. For information call 989-202-4889.
Monetary and food donations can also be dropped off at the following locations:
- Roscommon County United Way – 1015 Short Street, Suite A in Prudenville; Info: 989-275-206
- Laura’s Needful Items – 703 Loxley Road, (Save-a-Lot plaza), Houghton Lake; Info: 989-202-2328.
- Apex Insurance Services – 705 Loxley, Houghton Lake; Info: 888-858-2739.
