To the Editor:
(Re: “Creston Gleaners not a shop for businesses”)
Correct me if I’m wrong, but I thought the Gleaners was primarily started to supply food to the poor by creating the food bank. It does this by receiving and selling donations to raise money to buy food. Why would it matter to them who shops and supplies the money to buy this food? Creston and the surrounding areas have been very generous in their donations and support, so much so that Gleaners has been able to buy and build new buildings.
Yet, I’ve heard from recipients of the food bank that they dole out flour and other staples by the cup instead of a sealed bag. Is this even Food Safe? I can’t verify if this is true or not as I have been lucky enough to never have been in the position to find out.
I’ve heard all sorts of stories about how little is given sometimes. Is this the poor people just crying the blues to raise sympathy or is it true? I know the food bank isn’t supposed to be their main source of food, but it seems to me that they should worry abut having a supply of basics on hand to give out to poor people before they give out to other charities.
While it’s true that they have lots of volunteers and they aren’t paid cash to work, I’ve driven by and seen them hauling bags of stuff to their cars. I wonder how many of them would volunteer if they were told they could no longer have the first pick of the merchandise.
I can name dozens of people who shop there who aren’t poor. Are you saying that only the poor who receive food handouts (because they are poor) should be the only ones that shop there? Tell me, how long do you think you would be able to supply the food bank?
Shopping at thrift stores and second-hand stores has become a very popular thing to do. They even furnished the apartments for the new doctors that came to town this way, and I’m sorry, but they will make more money than I ever will.
I have been to many thrift stores in different places and never once has anyone asked me if I was poor and told me I shouldn’t be shopping there. They all seem grateful for the business they receive to support the charity they are raising money for. Why is Creston unique? Why would you even care what happens to the merchandise if you get your price for it? Do you know how many volunteers and shoppers have had garage sales with the things they bought at Gleaners? Wake up and be grateful for the support.
Judy Smandych
Creston