Herkimer County Hunger Coalition Holds Monthly Meeting

The Herkimer County Hunger Coalition held its September meeting at the Herkimer Elks Lodge with Secretary Devin McDonald presiding. He reported that over the summer, the organization provided 150 backpacks for children enrolled in the BOCES N.Y. State Migrant Education Program, with supplies provided by the Greater Herkimer Lions Club. In June, the Coalition purchased 5 bicycles, matching HCCC alumnus Mike Carroll’s five, for deserving children in the aforementioned program. The Lions pitched in by purchasing two. Finally, it made a sizable donation to one of the area’s most critically needed operations-Mohawk Valley Ambulance Corps.

Continuing its 25-year tradition of supporting veterans and veterans’ causes, the Coalition contributed $1000 to help in the purchase of the Agent Orange Monument (thanks “Nam vet John Frazier) at Wards Square in Little Falls and donated $300 to the Little Falls American Legion Post 31 for its flag and marker drive. The Fallen Stars Memorial Mural honoring the men and women from the state who were killed in Iraq and Afghanistan will be on display at the Herkimer VFW on October 4th at 1 PM as part of the Veterans Remembrance Ceremony hosted by area Elks Lodges from Herkimer, Ilion, Little Falls, and Canajoharie-Fort Plain. Anyone interested in having the Memorial displayed can call Kelly “Dawg” Brown at 315-867-3375. The Herkimer Military Banner Program, initiated by Coalition founder RJ Lenarcic and overseen by McDonald and Brown, has had 90 banner purchases to date. Smaller replicas, which can be displayed on lawns or in homes, are available for $50.

Regarding pantries, Richfield Springs (Connie Olsen) and Kuyahoora (Den Rizzo) indicated that they were providing backpacks of food on Fridays to 40 and 37 children (Poland Central), respectively; Rizzo was hoping to expand the program to West Canada Valley. Spike Seeley (Dolgeville ) reported that his pantry assists c.100 families per month and that the loss of grant money will have a significant impact next year. His concern was echoed by the other coordinators. Jeff Crouse (Van Hornesville) indicated that with grant money down and SNAP discontinued, it was becoming more difficult to keep their facility up and running. All pantries reported a shortage of meat products due to budget constraints. So-the coalition doled out $2000 to help cover their respective needs.

Finally, Gram Lorraine Children’s Christmas Program chairpersons Barb Horwald (Ilion) and Lucille Hand (Frankfort) requested help to purchase 70 coats as per last year and received it. The Coalition is waiting on coat requests from Little Falls, BOCES, and Fort Plain chapters. Elks PER Roy Henry offered help from the Herkimer Lodge if requested. Seeley was recognized for receiving a state award for his longtime volunteer work, and he and Director Ron Schoonmaker were thanked for their service in Vietnam. Next meeting scheduled for October 14th at 6 PM at the Hekimer Elks Lodge.