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Someone needs to take on task

By Democrat Editorial Board | The Natchez Democrat

Published Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Most of us are lucky. No, we’re better than lucky; we’re blessed. We don’t put much thought into the likelihood of meals.

Sure, we may fuss or feud a bit about what we’re eating or in some cases, where we’re eating, but the simple notion that we WILL eat regularly doesn’t cross our mind.

Unfortunately, some of your neighbors aren’t so lucky. Mothers who live right here in Adams County will feign like they’re not hungry to leave more food to their children.

Grandparents skip meals because they simply cannot afford to buy enough groceries on a fixed income.

For far too many of our residents, the cupboard is either bare or gets bare too often.

Leaders with the United Way of the Miss-Lou have announced plans to close the food pantry, which currently serves approximately 1,100 families.

The problem is simple: the food pantry is costing too much money, money that the United Way simply doesn’t have to give away. The United Way’s involvement in the food pantry was probably a mistake. Prior to taking over the institution the food pantry was operated by the Natchez Ministerial Alliance.

The United Way is a great organization, one that raises money and donates that money out to its non-profit agencies. But the United Way is not equipped to run the food pantry.

Unless another group steps forward to assume responsibility, the food pantry will close on Aug. 1. If that happens, it will be a shame for the need is present, but we must find the resources to keep the facility open.

Perhaps we all just need to nibble on some humble pie, remember why we’re here on this earth, and roll up our sleeves to help our neighbors in need.

Comments

Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on June 12, 2008 at 2:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Doesn't the United Way pay their director almost 2 million a year? They also hold up every corporation I've ever worked for and the word comes down that you better contribute or else. That is the dark side of feel good reality.

Posted by OldGrandDad (anonymous) on June 12, 2008 at 3:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)

EnKiKur, The public school system used to twist arms for donations also. It didn't leave people with wonderful feelings for United Way. Leaning on folks for donations to any charity is stupid and counter-productive.

Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on June 12, 2008 at 4:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Hey, one company I worked for told us what we would donate by payroll deduction and put the form in front of us to sign. We had meetings for the annual drive and the meeting was dismissed when all the forms were signed.

Posted by Teach4Peace (anonymous) on June 12, 2008 at 6:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I give willingly because I am fortunate enough to be able do so, I am blessed, but forcing someone to feel like give or else, will do nothing but create resistance. In more cases where there is a need, people freely give, because the spirit surrounding the request to give, is one of charity in itself. Force people to do this or mandate that they do, is counter productive.

Posted by redusmfan (anonymous) on June 12, 2008 at 6:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I wish them the very best in staying open. The Bible, God's Holy Word and instruction for our lives, says that taking care of thos eless fortunate is not to be done by anyone other than the local church. Maybe the Natchez Ministerial Alliance can step back up to the plate and get local congregations revived enough to do the small things they are supposed to do according to the instruction book. Let them feed the hungry and take care of the less fortunate and the United Way can spend time and energy twisting arms to get what they want......money...

Posted by OldGrandDad (anonymous) on June 12, 2008 at 6:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I've read that Mississippians tend to be more generous than those in other states even though we tend to be less affluent. I suppose I could look up the statistics, but I'm not that generous.......

Posted by Preacher (anonymous) on June 12, 2008 at 7:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The Ministerial Alliance did a good job reorganizing the food pantry, but the United Way who started paying the bills, took it over. Before the United Way and the Ministerial Alliance, a local church kept the food pantry going, and were doing fine on a smaller scale. We tend to go for the big and wind up with the bust, as in this case. It can be done, but it will take a much lower overhead for our churches to take it back or for the Ministerial Alliance to reconsider. I was supprised that the United Way wanted to take this on in the first place, since they have made a lot of cuts to Red Cross and other service agencies. There is a genuine need. Hopefully we can find a positive solution and enough volunteers and funds to make it work.

Posted by destiny (anonymous) on June 12, 2008 at 8:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Jesus said, "Feed my sheep". He also said, " When you do this, you feed Me and you will be blessed". This is not only for the Ministerial Alliance but for all people who have heart enough to care for the hungry. Sending your money to the United Way is only filling the pockets of the higher ups and some day they will have to answer for it. God is the best accountant we have and He's taking notes. Until then send your money directly to the hunger program of your choice. There are many out there from which you can choose. Maybe where you shop for your groceries will set up a station where you can drop off non-perishable items. They do this during the holidays, why not year round? Your church maybe? One day at school so children will learn to share with others? There are so many possibilities. As Preacher said, the UW continues to make cutbacks to keep their pockets full. What was once a good thing, has turned very foul by money grubbing monsters. I'd vote to do away with it.

Posted by lilredhead (anonymous) on June 12, 2008 at 8:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I would go with my grandmother who was a volunteer when I was younger. I always had so much fun even if all I got to do was grate cheese! I wish that more people were able to give of their own free will but the reality is times are hard right now and a lot of people can barely afford to feed themselves and their children. I worked for a bank in another town and I remember being basically bullied into giving more that I could really afford to. With gas and groceries being so high (and still going up everyday) I am afraid that I am going to have to stop driving and stay at home with minimal food to eat for my children. I guess I should be thankful I am still breastfeeding the baby.

Posted by texasranger (anonymous) on June 12, 2008 at 8:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)

They fired the last one after they caught him embezzling hundreds of thousands,no criminal charges. The money just keeps rolling in though.

Posted by texasranger (anonymous) on June 12, 2008 at 8:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)

They put high pressure on th factory workers for years,made fellow workers captains in each department and tryed to make rotate it every year. They tried their best to make you feel bad if you didn,t donate a day,s pay every year,regardless of what you thought. The supervisors were all required to donate a large part of their monthly check.

Posted by kpage (anonymous) on June 12, 2008 at 9:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)

My sweetie worked a job that if he didn't contribute to the United Way, he was fired. Yep...and he doesn't lie. It seems the UW is a HUGE receiver of donated funds and it's a shame they can't fund the food pantry. I realize it wasn't one of their sponsered agencies, but they should have thought about that when they took it over. I guess a big chunk of the money donated locally goes to the home operation up north, or wherever they're located. I'll bet locals give much more than goes out to needy people.

Teach...it does ruin the spirit of giving, doesn't it. Makes me feel dirty inside. Like I've said before, when I win the Publisher's Clearinghouse Sweepstakes soon, I'll find needy families on my own to guarantee some "administrator" isn't buying a Hummer with my donations.

Posted by Hardcorps (anonymous) on June 12, 2008 at 9:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I stopped giving to the UW a long time ago. I saw how much the executives made and how much was wasted. The rest was going somewhere I didn't like.
Like the Red Cross. My dad fought in the South Pacific in WWII. He came out of the jungle after not getting paid or eating for a long time. The red cross asked if he wanted a coke. He said he did and they told him that it would be a nickle. He didn't have a nickle. He, most old vets I know, nor I ever give to the red cross.
I have my charities. I give to the church, to Navy Relief to help the lower rank Marines and sailors, and to several more things.
I refuse to give to united way.

Posted by ntzmom (anonymous) on June 12, 2008 at 10:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Are you serious hardcorps? That is horrible, and I don't blame you one bit for not donating.

Posted by momof1 (anonymous) on June 12, 2008 at 1:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I know of one great organization in Ferriday, the Storefront Mission in Ferriday, thats funded by a few local churches. They give out food and cloting to those in need. The employees are strictly volunteers, mostly from the churches who fund the mission, and a lot of what is given away is received through donations. Maybe Some of the Natchez churces should take notes and take over the food pantry and help those in need. Maybe some of the extremely well paid pastors in the area could give some of their salary back to help fund the Pantry.

Posted by natchezsouthside (anonymous) on June 12, 2008 at 1:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Its simple. Too many takers and not enough givers.

I know some will attack me, but now maybe some of the more able takers will be forced to earn their own. Then the more needy will be able to be helped.

Posted by NatchezEnema (anonymous) on June 12, 2008 at 3:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

This is a shame! The problem here is waste, and a lot of it. I know of a person who picked up 7 plates at the stew pot. 1 went to his needy elderly grandmother and the rest to his famiy and some freinds next door who were not elderly, needy or could not provide for themselves. Mater of fact, they were all fat except for the elderly woman. If they would cut the waste and people looking for free food there would be plenty for the needy. This same problem plagues or countries food stamp and welfare services. Imagine what would happen if this country was in a great depression like in the early 30's? My grandmother told me as a small boy when she was a little girl during the depression there was not a rabbit or squirrel in the woods, people didn't have all the handouts like today. Without control of the ticks, leeches and users of scocieties handouts or oversight it will only get worse and less for the needy.

Posted by kpage (anonymous) on June 12, 2008 at 3:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm not gonna jump on you, southside. I take the same stance on this subject. If they jump you, then I guess we'll both be nursing black eyes.

When you take love out of a project such as the Food Pantry, it gets too messy. The Ministerial Alliance formed that pantry out of love and concern for locals. When the UW took it over, they soon figured they couldn't make money from it and they backed out with "justifiable" reasons. I don't care what excuses they have, that's the way it's cut and dried. Period.

Durn Hardcorps! That's rough. Thanks to your daddy we are still free here in America...it's a shame the Red Cross treated him like that.

Posted by happybunny (anonymous) on June 12, 2008 at 3:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I would encourage you to visit the numerous charitable agencies that are funded through the United Way. People like you that do not donate are the reason the food pantry and similar agencies can no longer be supported. If you choose to give through your church or directly to the organization that's fine but are you willing to step in and coordinate the funding of all of these agencies? I didn't think so.

Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on June 12, 2008 at 4:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

If we all made 2 million a year and the director of united way made what we do, why happybunny, we'd be happy to give more to united way.

Posted by happybunny (anonymous) on June 12, 2008 at 4:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I am certain I would like to hold that position as well but feel I am underqualified to do so.
My point is they supply a much needed service that no one else is willing to undertake. I am involved with them on a volunteer basis and can tell you they scrimp and save as much as they can. Securing donations to support that many charities is a huge undertaking, I can't do it nor am I willing to but will happily donate to support MY community.

Posted by EnKiKur (anonymous) on June 12, 2008 at 4:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

United Way is pretty unpopular in many parts of the world. Sorry, but that's the way it is. I admire your optimism. Charity isn't a business though and shouldn't be sold as one.

Posted by snatchez (anonymous) on June 12, 2008 at 6:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

is it too late to post. the largest donor in natchez to the united way is guess who? This company demands that the employees give...give up....the isle of capri...

Posted by fire39212 (anonymous) on June 12, 2008 at 8:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I agree with NSS,Kpage,Ne and En......

Wow is all i can say to 2 million dollars a year pay with a charity......They need donations why???? I stopped giving to UW and Red Cross along time ago....

If we can get a rain we will have plenty of mators and squash if y'all know anyone who needs or wants them..We have 24 mator plants and a row of squash...Just need a rain....Just send me a email..

Posted by BOBCAT1974 (anonymous) on June 13, 2008 at 12:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I always say this,if everyone in this entire country gave $1.00 And put into a bank somewhere and had someone you could trust to be in charge.Look at all the people you could help.The interest alone could help so many people.There's always a need,last year alone my family and close friends headed up or took part in 9 coed softball tournaments.And in October the Fall Festival On COX'S HILL we were able to help three people in need.We don't always make a ton of money but whatever we raise it does help to make a difference.Because were not a major big league like the Red Cross or United Way sometimes were shunned and don't always get the help we need.We get told alot that if we were a organized group of well doers we could get more help.What we are is people who are trying to help someone that has been diagnosed with cancer and is terminal ill.Worked hard all there life and now can't work and has a family.Are someone who just died and has no insurance to bury that person and needs help.I guess it's about survival,groceries,light bill,water bill,a pair of shoes,to buy gas so they can be warm for the winter,to be able to buy fuel for the vehicle to be able to go to their Doctor who happens to be out of town.This is what we're about.Someone once told me she would never give to someone like this that they should have thought about all this when they were able to put something back.Everyone is not always so fortunate to have saved or thought that for ahead.I guess my heart is big enough to see past and help whoever needs it.And if im ever "snookerd" then they will have to pay.I know that iv'e took a many of beatings over all of this.Bro.Steve at Community Chapple asked me one time,how do you decide who to help.I told him we pray about it,and God will let us know.Mayby one day my ship will roll in and we can help more.

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