Our neighbors in Manchester have been facing many obstacles since the closing of DP&L. I recently received a letter from former SMS parent Lori Blackburn who has always been active helping the community through St. Vincent DePaul. She described the situation and the need for help within the community.
Dear Mr. Arn,
I’m writing you in regards to the email that was sent out on the Adams/Brown Safety Net Alliance about the food pantry in Manchester, Ohio, needing additional food items. A few weeks ago, I met with the gentleman/Director Ben Wright, as I had purchased $300 of food that they needed, using St. Michaels Church /St. Vincent De Paul/Ripley funds.
I was amazed at the hard work and dedication this gentleman and others have applied to help the people of Manchester. The pantry is well organized, clean and has a warm and welcoming environment and is a much-needed staple in Manchester.
I'm not sure if you're familiar with the history of Manchester and the many obstacles this small town has endured since the closing of Dayton Power and Light. DPL. Manchester currently suffers from a large population of homeless people living in tents, abandoned cars and homes. The illegal drug use is very noticeable and thefts are an everyday occurrence. With the lack of funds, the Village does not have a local police department and the people of Manchester rely on the Adams County Sheriff Department located in West Union.
The pantry orders from the Free Store Food Bank and pays for the food from donations given by a few local churches and private donors.
Another issue they are having is their rent is being raised from $200.00 month to $400.00 month, this rent increase, will decrease their food amount order. They are looking to possibly partner with a local church (many have closed their doors) or find another building to rent. This would be a major move as they have 8-10 freezers, shelves and office furniture along with many other items to transport.
My feelings are, with families and the elderly losing the extra SNAP money (from the COVID pandemic) and the high prices of food, along with this pantry closing its doors the people of Manchester will suffer greatly and theft will increase.
I’m looking to partner with a local school or businesses to organize a food drive to help the pantry. I will bring totes for food to be placed in and will pick up the food items. I would also like to offer the class with the most canned/food items to receive an ice cream party.
The Pantry is located at:
Community Care Center of Manchester
Main Street Manchester Ohio, 45144
P.O. Box 493
937-549-8700
Ben Wright, Administrated Director 606-375-2983
Jeanna Baldwin, Executive Director
Thank you, for more information please feel free to call me.
Lori Blackburn 937-515-4160 St. Vincent de Paul, Ripley/ Child Focus Inc. Parent Educator
This is a very busy time of year at SMS, but I feel like we should try to help out in any way we can. Beginning Monday, April 24, we will have a non-perishable food drive at SMS to help the food pantry in Manchester. Of course our main goal is to help with the situation in Manchester, we will add an incentive for our students. Rather than competing between homerooms, our goal as a school will be 500 items. If we reach that goal by May 5, we will have an out-of-uniform day for our students. Thank you for your help on this service project!