By Don Steen ~ Staff Writer • reporter@psci.net
The Christian Resource Center has some big news, and a tall order going into the holiday season. The center has officially been awarded a $50,000 grant from United Way of Southwestern Indiana, in partnership with the Lilly Foundation. However, that comes with a sizable match requirement, which will require a donation campaign. The CRC hopes to raise $25,000 through the rest of the year.
The food pantry building is currently leased to the center. Buying the building and property outright will not only unite the center and food pantry under CRC ownership, but eliminate the need for monthly lease payments.
“This will help us,” said Executive Director Dee Denu. “We can now use the rent money for groceries.”
As of now, the food pantry serves about 200 families per month, or 467 individuals.
The purchase of the neighboring food pantry building would not have been possible without the support of United Way and Lilly Foundation. Program Director John Rudisill noted that the Christian Resource Center was the only recipient in the local area during the latest round of grants.
“This funding has been a godsend,” he said.
Denu pointed out that the donation drive to raise funds for the matching requirement will be the focus for the rest of the year. In the past, the center has asked for assistance with the Coat-A-Kid program, but that is being taken care of by another grant this year.
Donations to the CRC are fully tax deductible. To reach the goal of $25,000, the center has laid out a range of categories.
A donation of at least $1,000 ranks one in the Super Gobble category, followed by $500 for Gobble, $250 for Mouthful, $150 for Snack, and $100 for Nibble. Donations can be delivered to the CRC at 499 Jefferson Street in Rockport.
Rudisill was confident the center would be able to meet its requirement, based on the success of past donation drives.
“Our donors have always been very generous,” he said.
Featured Image: An exterior shot of the Christian Resource Center in Rockport
A sign displaying the logos of both the Lilly Foundation and United Way — both of which contributed to the CRC with the grant
