Mission Possible Receives $4,500 Donation

First Interstate Bank recently awarded $4,500 to Mission Possible’s Food Pantry as part of their Community Grant program. Because of the challenging economic and political climate, in November the board of directors of Mission Possible voted to increase the amount of meat/protein given to each food pantry household for a year.   First Interstate Bank agreed to support this effort. Their grant will supply almost 90% of the money needed for the additional meat.

The Mission Possible Food Pantry supplies free nutritional food to households in Worth County experiencing food insecurity.  Clients can visit the food pantry twice a month where they shop for grocery items, produce, bakery, and meat/dairy choices.  They receive an allocation in pounds of food based on their household size. 

Mission Possible Food Pantry receives some food donations and monetary gifts, but it’s adjacent Thrift Store raises most of the money needed to buy food for the Pantry. 

First Interstate Bank has been a regular supporter of Mission Possible with financial grants for the Food Pantry and a companion program called Friday Friends, which supplies food for elementary school children on weekends during the school year.   The local FIB employees recently held a food drive, and they have volunteered on the Mission’s board, in the Thrift Store, Food Pantry and with Friday Friends.  First Interstate Bank strives to make the communities they serve better places to live and work, and they are actively doing that in Worth County.

 

 

Mission Possible Offers Food Commodity Program

Mission Possible is now offering the TEFAP Food Commodity program. This is in addition to the regular food pantry that is available at the center. It is sponsored by the USDA and Second Harvest. The truck brings different food items each month. Mission Possible distributes it at the same time the Food Pantry is open.

The program is available to households in which everyone receives public assistance such as SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, WIC, or public housing assistance. It is also available to households if the total gross income from everyone is 185% or less of the 2025 Federal Poverty Level.

Distribution for the Food Pantry and TEFAP is from 2 pm to 4 pm on Mondays and 8:30 am to noon on Tuesdays on the dates listed below. If the school closes for weather, then the Food Pantry is closed as well.

The Food Pantry is open during the following dates:

July 21st and 22nd; August 11th, 12th, 25th, and 26th; September 8th, 9th, 22nd, and 23rd; October 13th, 14th, 27th, and 28th; November 10th, 11th, 24th, and 25th; December 8th, 9th, 22nd, and 23rd.

 

Mission Possible Receives $5,000 Donation

The America’s Farmers Grow Communities program, a Bayer Fund program, partners with farmers to provide grants to local nonprofits and schools to help their communities. Through the program, farmers enroll for the chance to direct a donation to a local eligible nonprofit organization or school of their choice.  In 2022, Bayer Fund doubled America’s Farmers Grow Communities individual donations from $2,500 to $5,000.

In Worth County, Pat Hardy recently won the opportunity to direct a $5,000 Bayer Fund America’s Farmers Grow Communities donation.  He picked Mission Possible Food Pantry and Thrift Store in Grant City to receive this donation. Mission Possible will use the funds to buy meat and other nutritious food for its food pantry clients.

“Food costs have risen for food pantries just as they have for every household.  We are so grateful for this donation which will enable us to restock our freezers and shelves for three months!” said Mary Kay Hunt, manager of Mission Possible’s food pantry.

Farmers can enroll for the opportunity to direct a 2023 Grow Communities donation starting on August 1, 2022. To learn more about the enrollment process and how America’s Farmers programs are making an impact, visit www.Americasfarmers.com. 

Al Mitchell, Bayer Fund president said, “Bayer Fund is proud to work side-by-side with farmers to identify local nonprofit organizations and schools that are improving rural communities in the areas of health and wellness, food and nutrition, and STEM and ag education.”

Grand Opening at Mission Possible

Donors, volunteers, and board members gathered Friday evening, May 27, to celebrate the culmination of more than a year of work renovating Mission Possible’s new home at 108 E. 1st Street, behind HyVee.  But for some the wait has been far longer.

Almost ten years ago the Mission Possible board recognized the need to find a new location that would be larger, safer, and more accessible to clients and customers alike.   The late Brenda Miller spearheaded the building search and fundraising effort at that time, seeking pledges from those who would commit financial support if a suitable building could be found.   Her passion for this project continued to inspire the board, volunteers, and other long time Mission Possible supporters long after her passing in 2018.

Over the years many existing buildings were considered, some quite seriously.  But all options were either inadequate or too expensive.  The turning point came in mid-2019 when Mission Possible was approved to sell Missouri tax credits as an incentive to donors.   Those tax credits generated enough additional donations to make the difference and when Scott and Judy Houk’s building just north of HyVee came up for sale, the board decided this was the long-sought solution.  This 3200 sq. ft., one-story steel building, with parking lot and full handicapped accessibility met all the search criteria.

Use of the tax credits from the Missouri Department of Economic Development’s Neighborhood Assistance Program enabled the additional funds to be raised, but also came with some requirements.  All the construction, HVAC and electrical work had to be done by professionals in compliance with generally accepted building standards.  And we had to prove to the State that we could complete the project before they would authorize us to start.

Money was saved in every way possible.  Volunteers did all the demolition.  Building materials were reused or sold, as appropriate.  Many new materials and fixtures were either donated or acquired at cost.  And volunteer labor was again used whenever possible while still complying with the State’s buildout requirements.

With the Mission Possible Food Pantry and Thrift Store both now open, visitors will enjoy the added space, the much improved lighting, and parking at the door.   What customers may not realize is that one goal of this project was to take care of the very, very dedicated volunteers who work day after day processing donated merchandise and running the thrift store.  We added wheels everywhere we could to ease the burden on their backs, their strength, and their health.   Wheeled dollies will collect donations, rolling clothing racks will replace heavy plastic tubs for storing out-of-season clothing, and aisles are wide enough to allow merchandise to be rolled rather than carried when restocking.

Marti Myers, board president, was quick to point out that “none of this would have been possible without the amazing generosity of our supporters in Worth County and beyond.   The MO-DED was instrumental in getting us over the fundraising hump and we are most grateful for that.”  But Myers also pointed out that “the board is mindful and thankful for the Divine hand that guided us to this outcome.”

Mission Possible On the Move

On Saturday, May 15, well over a dozen energetic community volunteers loaded trailer after trailer with the merchandise and fixtures from the Mission Possible thrift store on the square in Grant City.  Destination – our new home at 108 E. 1st Street, behind HyVee, which has been undergoing complete renovation for the last year.

Among those volunteers were several of the women who can be seen every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at the thrift store preparing new donations for sale and assisting customers with their purchases.  For the last two weeks, in addition to their normal tasks, these busy ladies have been organizing, hanging, and boxing everything that needed to be moved.

The intensive work is not over yet.   Mission Possible will be closed for two weeks to provide time for setting up both the work areas and the retail space in the new store.  During this transition time, we ask that the public delay bringing in merchandise donations in order to give our volunteers time to catch their collective breath and get organized.   

May 28 is the scheduled Grand Opening of the Mission Possible thrift store.  We hope that both our old friends and curious new customers will visit us that Memorial Day weekend, and in the weeks after, to check out our great new look.

The Mission Possible food pantry has been operating at the new 1st Street location for the last several weeks.  Door to door access, ground level entry, and dedicated parking will make our new building a safer and more accessible location for all our clients and customers.

Mission Possible Moves Food Pantry

After more than a year of demolition and renovations, Mission Possible is delighted to announce that it’s Food Pantry has moved to their new permanent location at 108 E. 1st Street, directly north of Hy-Vee.  Clients were served from that location this week.  

The Mission Possible Food Pantry serves Worth County individuals and families in need of nutritious supplemental food who meet income requirements.   It is open on the second and fourth Tuesdays each month.   An emergency phone number is posted for those suffering a food crisis.

The Food Pantry is supported by sales from the Mission Possible Thrift Store.  Preparations are underway to move the store to the newly renovated building in several weeks. Grand Opening festivities are being planned to thank the many, many people who have contributed money, time, and services to make this new building acquisition and renovation possible.  Old customers and new customers alike can look forward to a fresh look and feel in their Mission Possible shopping experience while still enjoying the best bargains around.

New Mission Possible Center Making Progress

A common question around the area is “When will the new Mission Possible building be ready?”  Progress is continuing, although a move date has not been set.

We have been blessed by this community and by businesses and individuals outside of Worth County.  Enough money was raised for our building project that we are doing our best to make sure that our new building at 108 E. 1st. Street, just north of HyVee, will be dry, warm, and in good mechanical order for many years to come.  That takes time – first lots of volunteer time to gut the inside of the building and clear it out.

Beginning in early fall we’ve turned the work over to the professionals.   Since Mission Possible received some donations using Missouri Neighborhood Assistance Program tax credits as an incentive, we are required to meet certain requirements.  One of those is assuring that all improvements are done according to current building standards that will pass inspection.  

Passersby may have seen workers from A2Z Industries, Concrete Revival, Allen Plumbing, Monticue Construction, Warner Brothers, and C&H Electric.  The pros will continue their work into the spring,  giving our volunteers time to plan the logistics of moving across town with as little interruption of business as possible.  

We hope to reuse as many of our current shelves and racks as possible, replacing those that are falling apart and adding some fixtures to utilize the additional space we’ll have.  A new freezer, some shopping carts, and sturdy shelving were purchased recently courtesy of a special grant from Second Harvest Community Food Bank out of St. Joe.    A desk for the food pantry was donated by Nucor in Maryville, and guest chairs were donated by the Ravenwood school.

As we get closer to setting a Grand Opening date, we will make every effort to assure that all interested area friends and supporters will be aware.  That will be a day to celebrate, and we hope to share our joy with as many people as possible.

Mission Possible Exceeds Fundraising Goal

Mission Possible’s fundraising goal of $125,000 has not just been met, it’s been exceeded!   The board has been raising money for almost two years to enable a move to a larger, safer building.   Following the announced purchase of the metal building just north of HyVee, one final appeal was made to individuals and businesses in the area to make sure there is enough money to do the renovation properly.   We called this our Finish Line campaign.

Some donations were anonymous.  Many were from friends and neighbors.  Several donors included notes of support with their gifts.  Two local donors provided a $100 match for all donations of $100 or more.  Donations came from corporations and retirees, families and individuals.  

“We are so humbled by the outpouring of support from Worth County and the larger northwest Missouri area, especially during the last few weeks of striving to reach our fundraising goal,” said Marti Myers, board president.  “We have been so blessed.   Now we can turn all of our focus to the renovation project.”

Renovation is expected to take at least through the end of the year.   Missouri’s Family Support office will be occupying part of the building through the end of June, so most renovation work can’t begin until after that time.  “We had a wonderful group of Worth County Tigers taking down ceiling tiles and insulation during their Community Service day in April.  And we’re working on roof and exterior issues now, but most work will need to wait until the building is completely vacant,” said Myers.

In the meantime, Mission Possible’s food pantry and thrift store are operating as usual, just with a heightened enthusiasm as the long-anticipated move and expansion is a “sure thing” rather than just a dream.   

Throughout this capital campaign effort, from planning to goal achievement, our motto has been “We’re putting down roots…and strengthening our community.”   Many, many thanks to all our donors and supporters for helping us in this quest to deepen our roots in Worth County and to return the helping hand that you have so generously extended to us.

Mission Possible to Purchase Building North of Hy-Vee

Mission Possible is excited to announce that our board has signed a contract to purchase the building due north of HyVee in Grant City.  Closing is expected near the end of March, but it will likely take until the end of the year for volunteers and professionals to do the necessary renovations to make the building perfect for Mission Possible.   

The quest for a safe, permanent home began more than seven years ago fueled by the leadership and passion of one of our original and long-time board members, Brenda Miller.    Brenda passed away in 2018 but she continues to be our inspiration.  We honor her memory and are thankful for so many who helped Mission Possible take form in 2004 and evolve over the years.

Many in the community are aware that our hope was to raise enough money, mostly from outside the area, to construct a new building on the empty lots on the square.  For a couple of good reasons, we were not able to raise that kind of money, but through generous local donations and years of being frugal in our operations, we will be able to purchase this building and do the renovations.

Highlights will include more than 70% additional space – for our food pantry, for our retail store, and for the area used by our wonderful volunteers to prepare donations for sale and to store out-of-season items.  We will have a safe parking lot for volunteers and customers, no steps or ramps, no gravel or ruts, and handicapped parking at the door.   And we hope the location right behind HyVee will make a stop at Mission Possible very convenient.

In announcing this decision, we want to acknowledge our “council of experts” who have patiently fielded dozens of questions, toured, researched, and advised, and generally shared a couple of centuries of knowledge and experience.  Many thanks go out to Brian Monticue, Duane Warner, Jud Summers, Dennis Downing and Jack Spainhower.  We also want to acknowledge the Masonic Lodge for opening their doors to us back at the beginning and allowing both our thrift store and food pantry to take over the first floor of their building all these years.

Mission Possible has always been fueled by the Worth County community.  If you want to be part of the wonderful changes coming up, stay tuned.   We still have $10,000 of Missouri 70% tax credits available for businesses and those with Missouri business income, and for those who don’t have business income, we have Missouri 50% tax credits.  Don’t need tax credits?   No problem.  We’ll be happy to just send you our heartfelt thanks instead.  And if volunteering is more your thing, there will be those opportunities as well.

Mission Possible Spooks and Luncheon

Meat prices are creating a hardship in many families these days.  The same is true for the Mission Possible Food Pantry.   We find bargains where we can, and we’re looking forward to the donated deer meat that we get each fall, but it is challenging right now getting hamburger for our clients at a price we can afford.   So,  when we were given the opportunity to use the corn maze in Allendale for a special fundraising event to purchase meat or process a hamburger cow, we jumped at the chance.   

We hosted a “Spooky Corn Maze” for one night only on Oct. 24 geared toward older children, teens, and young adults.   The rain stopped early enough in the week to allow the maze paths to largely dry out and the partial moon was mostly cloud covered, so it was DARK in the maze.   A skeleton named Edgar, a crouching lion, various ghosts, spiders, and red-eyed specters dotted the maze paths, and several volunteer actors lurked in the corn to generate screams from unsuspecting passersby.   With only a week to publicize our event, we were absolutely delighted that 135 brave people tackled the maze in the dark.   They came not just from Worth County, but from other area communities as well, which we really appreciate.   We had so much fun and so much success that we hope to do this again next year.

On a more sedate note, Mission Possible Board of Directors hosted a luncheon at the Fairgrounds on October 17 for our food pantry and thrift store volunteers.  Guests were treated to homemade soups, sandwiches, and yummy cupcakes.  Decorations followed a black and gold theme, and each guest received an insulated go-cup and a fancy metal key to “Thank them for being a Key in our Mission”.   While not all our dedicated volunteers were able to attend, we were so thankful these could:   Alberta Verbick, Barb Landrum, Barb Stephenson, Bev Morin, Carol Parman, Clara Harding, Martha Groom, Patty Wimer, Peggy Miller, Pat Ray, Mary Jo Fletchall, and Stacey Baker.   This event was organized by Anita McClellan and Kelley Ross and all the food was supplied by our Board members.

Mission Possible to Open New Holiday Shop

 Looking for something festive for your house or office?   Need a costume for a little one?   Trying to get a jump start on Christmas this year?   

Mission Possible has just the thing for you.  For a limited time, John Thurman has opened the former restaurant space at Country Corners to Mission Possible for a Holiday Bonanza shop.   You’ll find lots of fun holiday items at the intersection of Hwy 169 and Hwy 46 in Grant City.  The fun starts Friday and Saturday, Sept. 4-5, from 9-4.  We’ll be open all day on Saturday, Sept. 12, also.  After that, please find us on Facebook (Mission Possible – Thrift Store & Food Pantry) for other dates and times for this seasonal shop.

In addition to Halloween and Fall décor, there are many nice Christmas items for your home as well. Halloween costumes and Christmas clothes from pajamas to sweaters are also available.  You’ll even find a nice selection of jewelry items which can be given as gifts or used to give just the right finish to your costume this year.

We all need reasons to celebrate right now.   Let Mission Possible kickstart your fall and winter holiday spirit.  As always, proceeds go to support the Mission Possible food pantry.

Mission Possible’s thrift store volunteers have been cleaning, hauling, and arranging for days.  They are living, breathing dynamos.  John Lindsey Fletchall was so helpful and creative in helping get everything ready that he deserves a special shout-out.  And several young men also helped us with their energy and muscles.

Mission Possible Awarded Tax Credits for New Building

On Wednesday, the Missouri Department of Economic Development announced that it would award over $6.7 million in Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP) tax credits to help non-profit organizations across the state with community development projects.

Mission Possible of Worth County was awarded tax credits under the program. They are planning to build a new building on the northwest corner of the Grant City Square. Previous plans included only a one level building. However, the current version includes a two level building for the Food Pantry, Thrift Store, and space for Community Services. It will be 5,252 square feet.

 Community Services is currently operating out of the building on the southwest corner of the Square across from Bears Lodge #26. They have been in several locations.

Mission Possible has currently outgrown their current facility on the east side of the Grant City Square. The Food Pantry is in the back of the building.

Northwest Missouri Enterprise Facilitation, which helps businesses in the area start or expand free of charge, was also awarded tax credits under the program. They serve several counties in the area, including Nodaway and Worth.

“Workforce development is a top priority of our Governor,” said Missouri Department of Economic Development Deputy Director Luke Holtschneider. “This program supports that initiative via strengthening Missouri’s communities by helping non-profit organizations raise private-sector funds. This is done by providing state tax credits to businesses that make contributions to approved community improvement projects.”

Donors can contribute cash, materials, supplies or equipment; technical assistance and professional services; labor; real estate; or stocks and bonds. Credits can equal up to 50 percent of the total amount contributed or up to 70 percent for projects located in the most rural areas.

Eligible donors include businesses, individuals who operate a sole proprietorship, operate a farm, have rental property or have royalty, shareholders in an S-corporation, partners in a Partnership, or members of a Limited Liability Corporation.

Applications are now being accepted for the second round of NAP submissions, which must be postmarked no later than September 4 to be considered. Organizations can apply for one, two, or three year projects. Applications for the first round of NAP submissions were submitted in March and April 2019.

Grant City Plans to Move Helipad to Basketball Court; Mission Possible Looking at NW Corner of Square

Big plans for the City of Grant City were discussed at the regular Grant City Council Meeting Wednesday night. Ben Fletcher of the Grant City Fire Department gave a presentation on the progress of the helipad project. This will allow emergency personnel to life flight people more safely. The initial location was not ideal, because pilots may not land at night; landing at night is up to the discretion of the pilots. The ideal location is a 100 foot by 100 foot safety zone, accessible by emergency vehicles, and with electricity for night landings.

The most suitable location for a helipad was the basketball court, which is deteriorating and in need of replacement anyway. Economic Developer Gene Auten, who was at the meeting, said he was looking into funding for a new basketball court. Ideally, he said that it should be located in the middle of town; locations around the square were discussed, along with a vacant lot just south of the firehouse. The Pool Park only has enough room for half a court, and would create clutter. There is currently a basketball court that kids can play on at the school.

The helipad would be accessible from 4th street, which would take the least amount of dirtwork. The old siren would come down, but the new one, which is currently being used, would stay up. The horseshoe pitch would go. The city voted to donate the area to the Fire Department.

The other big change to the town discussed Wednesday was the possible location of Mission Possible at the northwest corner of the square. Marti Myers, who represented Mission Possible, said they were looking at grant money to build a one story building on three of the old lots that were destroyed by the Square Fire several years ago. Mayor Debbie Roach signed off on a statement saying it did not conflict with city plans. The plan includes purchasing the lots from the three owners, and the city voted to waive a tax lien on one of the properties contingent on the owner turning the lot over to the project.

Auten reported that the Progress Organization had gotten rid of 10 abandoned homes last year, and that there were 4-5 so far this year that were on their list to demolish. The next house on the demolition list is on Smith Street in Chinatown as soon as the weather cooperates. Another abandoned home that was on the shortlist was the pink home near Dave Lewis’ on the west end of town.

The council voted to award C&S Electric the bid to rewire the Pool Park for $2,156.
Public Works Director Carl Staton reported that city crews had been pothole patching, sweeping the streets, and putting on gravel.

Water Superintendent Caleb Moyer reported that a pump on the 7th Street lift station had failed, they were on the spare, and that they needed a new one. The Council authorized the purchase of a new pump. The city obtained three bids, and voted to award the bid to Allied Systems for a cost of $10,166.28.

Clerk Ayvonne Morin reported there were already 2-3 applications for lifeguards for the pool season this year. The city donated a pool pass for the Worth County After-Prom.

The city sent out two letters of violation to property owners in town. The council authorized a third letter of violation.

The council went into closed session. Councilman Bruce Downing made a motion to approve a 2% cost of living increase for employees; that motion died due to lack of second. Michael Chapman made a motion to approve a 3% increase, which was approved. The city will next discuss raises after the employee evaluation in December.

Mission Possible to Open Christmas Station December 1st

The holidays are exciting and busy times for Mission Possible.  Once again, this year we hope you’ll visit our “Christmas Station” to refresh your Christmas décor.  Located across from Sherri’s Pharmacy at the corner of Hwy 46 and Main, you’ll find wonderful holiday items.  Opening day is Dec. 1 from 9-3, so check it out after visiting the Holiday Craft Sale at the high school.  The Christmas Station will also be open from 9 – 2 on the following Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday (Dec. 4, 6 and 8).

As you’re sorting through Christmas decorations this year, please consider donating items for the Christmas Station.  Items that you no longer use can become treasures for someone else through your generosity.   Christmas decorations can be dropped off at the Steinhauser’s, 507 E 5th St., or at Mission Possible.

The Food Pantry is often blessed with donations this time of year from churches, organizations and individuals.    We are always happy to receive soups, peanut butter & jelly, meats, pancake mixes & syrup, spaghetti sauce, pasta, flour, sugar, salt, and butter.   Condiments, cake and brownie mixes, toiletries and cleaning products are also warmly appreciated.   The generosity of our community never ceases to amaze.

Worth Treatin' Raises $675 for Mission Possible

The Worth Treatin’ Celebration raised $675 this year for Mission Possible, organizer Jonell Cook told the Express Monday. There were 25 vendors at the event Sunday afternoon. They were located on the walking trail at the Pool Park.

Among the businesses and organizations that participated were Worth County FCCLA, Worth County PTO, Mosaic, Worth County FBLA, Great Western Bank, Monticue Construction, Grant City Golf Course, Andrews-Hann Funeral Home, Worth County Care & Rehab Center, Casey’s, C&S Car Wash, Drifter’s Express, Sheridan CBC, Worth County MFA, Dollar General, Learning Academy, Tiger Designs, Worth County Fire Auxiliary, Fraternal Order of the Bears #26, Grant City Fire Department, Worth County Ambulance, Grant City Lions, Rural Missouri Insurance, Hy-Vee, Headstone Country Variety Store, Mission Possible, Leo Club, and South High Sounds.
Prugh-Dunfee Funeral Home also donated money for Mission Possible.

The Worth County Ministerial Alliance pooled money for the bounce house, while the City of Grant City brought candy for the event.

A soup supper was held at the Skating Rink, with chili, soup, lunchmeat sandwiches, and desserts served.

Businesses and organizations handed out candy and had contests and gave away prizes. The weather was sunny, which has become a regular feature of the Worth Treatin’ Celebration.

Worth Treatin' Brings Out the Trick or Treaters

The annual Worth Treatin' celebration brought out the trick or treaters Sunday. There were plenty of ghosts, goblins, and other spooks that afternoon. Later, folks went to either the Skating Rink for a chili supper or the Haunted House that was behind the football field at the school. Blaine Bohling won the costume contest while Klayton Verbick was second.

Businesses who either set up a booth and/or donated to the event, as compiled by the Sheridan Express, were Andrews-Hann Funeral Home, Country Corners, Northwest Medical Center/Mosaic, Grant City CBC, Grant City United Methodist Church, Snakebite, Hart's Drive-In, Worth County Courthouse, Great Western Bank, Monticue Construction, Sheridan CBC, C&S Car Wash, Rural Missouri Insurance, Northwest Cell, Kobbe Lawn Care, Helena, Worth County FBLA, Mission Possible, Fraternal Order of the Bears, Grant City Fire Department, Worth County Ambulance, Worth County Convalescent Center, MFA, Headstone Country Variety Store, Worth County Lumber, Public Water Supply District #1, Hy-Vee, Flowers N' Things, Dollar General, Janet Wake Larison, Prugh-Dunfee Funeral Home, Kinsella Lawn Care, Ted's Repair, Wool Shop, Grant City Golf Course, Crossroads/Assembly of God, Parman Farms, and the City of Grant City.

Worth Treatin' is still taking donations; to donate, contact Brenda Miller. All proceeds will go to Mission Possible.

Mission Possible Collects 124 Pounds from Postal Service

In the past few weeks, citizens of Worth County have come to the aid of the Mission Possible Center in numerous ways. Last month, the postal drive held at Worth County post offices provided 60 lbs. of food from Grant City, 39 lbs. from Sheridan, and 25 lbs. from Allendale. A grand total of 124 lbs. of food was collected from this drive. A bake sale was also held in conjunction with the city-wide garage sales in Grant City held in May. Numerous items were donated and purchased during this event. In addition, several monetary donations were received. Because of the generous donations given by Worth County residents, we were able to keep up with our increasing demand for food. We served 44 families and 103 individuals during the month of May.
Individuals who wish to donate food or cash can still do so. Cash donations can be mailed to the Mission Possible Center, P.O. Box 65, Grant City, MO, 64456. Food items can be dropped off at the thrift store on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M. and on Saturday mornings from 9:00 A.M. – noon. Donated clothing and miscellaneous items are also accepted during these hours. These items are sold in the thrift store, and the proceeds are used to purchase food to supply the pantry.

Food Pantry Demand Skyrockets

An MSNBC report on May 28th reported that food bank demand around the country has skyrocketed and that middle-income families who make too much income to qualify for food stamps are now having to get help to make ends meet. The report cited skyrocketing gas and energy prices as the reason for the surge in demand as well as job layoffs.
In Worth County, as in the rest of the country, Brenda Parman of Mission Possible said that food demand was high; demand there skyrocketed two years ago and has not gone back down. In addition, one of the largest one-day oil price jumps ever occurred Friday after Israel threatened to attack Iran for allegedly developing a nuclear weapons program. Israel destroyed Iraq’s nuclear facilities in 1980 because they said it could be used to make nuclear weapons.
The result has been long lines at food pantries around the country. In addition, school administrators report children are hoarding their school lunches so that they can feed siblings who don’t go to school yet.

Mission Possible Center Food Drive

A food drive will be held from now through Wednesday, May 14th at all the of the post office locations in Worth County. Receptacles will be available for residents to drop off donations of non-perishable items in the lobbies of each post office. We would appreciate any donations as the demand for food has increased in Worth County due to rising fuel prices and other costs.
In addition, the Mission Possible Center will be participating in the Grant City city-wide garage sale on Saturday, May 10th from 7:00 AM – 1:00 PM. A bake sale will be held outside the Mission Possible Center. Anyone wishing to provide baked goods should bring them the day of the sale or contact Brenda Parman at 660-564-3775 to have them picked up.
Please plan on participating in both the food drive and the other fundraisers to help the food pantry. Those who are unable to participate but who would like to give a cash donation can send checks to Mission Possible Center, P.O. Box 65, Grant City, MO 64456.