WINNEMUCCA — Humboldt County residents showed their kindness and loyalty to a good cause last month by sharing money and goods aimed at combatting food insecurities in the community.
The Winnemucca Ministerial Association hosted a Spaghetti Fundraiser Saturday, August 27, at the West Hall, Winnemucca Convention Center.
All proceeds from the fundraiser will benefit the Winnemucca Food Bank, the Winnemucca Soup Kitchen and the Christmas Food Box program — all of which fall under the umbrella of the Winnemucca Ministerial Association.
“We had a wonderful turnout,” said Winnemucca Food Bank Director Barbara Sealy, “Lots of great food, lots of fun items to bid on for our silent auction, and a great attendance from our community members in spite of other events going on at the same time.”
In all, the evening netted over $3,500 — important money, said Sealy, for the continued operation of the Ministerial Association’s programs.
“The number of people we serve has continued to mount over the years,” said Sealy, “especially with the addition of COVID and its devastating consequences.”
Just this past month, Sealy said the Food Bank served 69 new people—double the organization’s average.
Totals for the month included 495 individuals from 255 households — numbers that represent a significant increase from the Food Bank’s “usual,” she said.
Overall, the Winnemucca Food Bank distributes approximately 200,000 pounds of food to community residents, while the Winnemucca Soup Kitchen shares more than 3,000 meals.
Close to 200 families receive a food box during the holidays, and low-income seniors benefit each month from food box distributions.
Sealy said the community has been amazing in sharing donated food both individually and through collection drives.
However, keeping the food bank and soup kitchen open also requires money.
“Even with such an abundance of food, we still need to pay our rent, our utilities, our gas, our insurance,” said Sealy. “We have financial obligations that we must meet to keep our doors open, so this fundraiser was a great blessing.”
The Winnemucca Ministerial Association is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt, non-profit organization and all contributions are tax deductible.
For those who could not attend, donations can be mailed to: Winnemucca Ministerial Association, P.O. Box 93, Winnemucca, Nevada 89446. Volunteers may call 775-625-2223.
“We are so grateful to our local residents for their help and support,” said Sealy. “Without that continued outpouring, we could not even come close to providing for those in need.”