A Johnson County food bank devoted to feeding the hungry is in the midst of a crisis and needs immediate help.
The main storage freezers and refrigerators at the Harvesting International Ministry Center Food Bank in Mansfield are on the verge of breaking down completely and thousands of dollars worth of donated food destined to those less fortunate could be lost and those who rely on these donations left empty-handed and hungry.
The funds simply do not exist to have them repaired again.
Food bank president and founder Greg Dewbrew said getting the equipment fully functional will cost about $10,000. He’s making the rounds and dialing phone numbers looking for money or parts or labor to replace equipment that in some cases is more than 10 years old.
“Our freezers and refrigerators are running only with the help of bailing wire, duct tape and much prayer. Thousands of families throughout North Texas depend on the generous donations of our corporate partners for support through these tough economic times,” he said. “However, if our freezers and refrigerators fail, we must turn down donations due to lack of storage and thus turn away families who desperately need the food. This is simply unacceptable.”
The food bank, established in 1987, provides food to people in need, advocates for the hungry and educates the public about hunger-related issues.
They also partner with more than 200 North Texas nonprofit charities, including several in Johnson County, and are funded by foundations, grants, corporations, sponsors and individual donors.
More than five million pounds of food is distributed annually to individuals, families and a network of nonprofit organizations.
But right now they need to get new systems so they do not have to continue finding freezer and cooling space at other locations.
“We’re on life support right now. These needed to be fixed yesterday,” said Todd Haumann, vice president of business development. “The objective is to get [food] donations in and out quickly to people in need. It’s at the point now that it’s critical.”
Contributors can donate with a credit card by visiting www.himcenter.org or mail a check made payable to Harvesting International Ministry Center, 560 Easy Drive, Mansfield, Texas 76063.
Johnson County
Johnson County food bank facing a crisis
- Johnson County
-
-
Stage 2 drought plan still in place
Johnson County Special Utility District will keep its Stage 2 drought plan in place despite this week’s rain.
-
Tuesday marks property tax payment deadline
Johnson County Tax Assessor Scott Porter said that Tuesday is the deadline to pay 2011 property taxes without penalties or interest.
-
Drought no more
April showers arrived a couple of months early, bringing much needed rain to Johnson County rivers and lakes.
-
Number of sex offenders increases
Now might be a good time to talk with your children about stranger danger. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children released an updated list of the country’s sex offenders this week. The survey showed 747,408 registered sex offenders.
-
Council approves trash truck purchases
City plans to switch trash collection from a manual to an automated system should begin in about six months, Cleburne Assistant City Manager David Esquivel said Tuesday night.
-
Rain related incidents mild, Cleburne rescue workers say
Heavy rainfall Tuesday and Wednesday spurred several calls to the Cleburne police and fire departments, but resulted in no serious injuries or damage, officials said.
-
Finishing touches
-
Vendor delays payment for county EOC work
A sub-contractor that helped build the Emergency Operation Center awaits payment from a construction company that claims it’s having financial trouble.
-
Head Start seeks help to replace stolen, damaged property
Officials with Cleburne’s Head Start school seek donations to help fund an end-of-school-year party for students.
-
Carnegie announces cast for ‘The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940’
Director Dick Helmcamp, retired CHS band director, recently announced the cast for the Greater Cleburne Carnegie Players’ upcoming production of “The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940.” The show, set in 1940 in Chappaqua, N.Y., is a who-dun-it with a twist. Think Agatha Christie on steroids.
- More Johnson County Headlines
-
Stage 2 drought plan still in place
