Green County 2022 Guide

GREEN CARES: FILLING THE CUPBOARDS

W. Coates Ave P P Embrace the space Lake Montesian & Gardens - Monticello WASHINGTON RD Washington St E. Highland Ave Kennedy St S. Main St 69 PARKING PIER Gazebo Montesian Garden Path

Just outside of Monticello, a small group of volunteers is making a big difference.

But it's a constant push to keep the shelves stocked. Green Cares relies entirely on the generosity of others and aid from federal and national organizations. Meat is purchased (at a very reduced price) from the USDA or Second Harvest. Local farmers with chickens bring in eggs. Perishables are donated by nearby grocery stores and bakeries. Local clubs, schools and churches hold food drives. As fast as the food comes in, it goes out. The need never goes away. Remarkably, the shelves are never empty. Voss and her husband have been there since the beginning, as board members and volunteers. The work has been some of the most fulfilling of her life. “There are some very heartwarming stories from the pantry, where someone actually didn’t have anything in their cupboards and they’ve been able to take home enough to feed their family.” Green Cares is always looking for more volunteers. Learn more by calling 608.938.4238 or emailing greencares@tds.net.

Green Cares Food Pantry opened in 2009 with a mission. Although several food pantries existed in the county, not everyone had access. Most food pantries operated during the day, making it hard for working people to get there. Green Cares is open evenings, mornings, and Saturdays. “People wanted another pantry with more hours and accessibility,” said Marcia Voss, who currently serves as board president. Filling that niche made Green Cares into the largest food pantry in the county, serving about 200 families a month, 600 individuals. About 60 people volunteer at the pantry on a regular basis, with another 100 filling in on special occasions. Volunteers drive trucks to pick up perishables, unload deliveries, and work the pantry hours. Then there’s record keeping, coordinating funding, and maintenance. The dedication and passion of the volunteers never seems to fade. There’s always someone to open the doors and distribute.

Montesian Gardens

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Sugar River

Sugar River

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Lake Ave

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Picnic Shelter

Bridge

Lake Montesian

Lake Montesian Fisheree Feb 6

Pig Roast May 21 Lions Car Show May 21 on tap in monticello

Island

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URBAN RD

Zwingli Church Kalberwurst Supper April Community Garage Sales May 19-21 Zwingli Church Summer Supper and Dairy Queen Crowning June 1 Zwingli Church Truck or Treat October Zwingli Church Women’s Guild Holiday Bake Sale Dec 10 More Events - monticello-chamber.com

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Lake Montesian is a fami ly-friendly fishing spot complete with an island. A paved sidewalk path and a special pier make the lake accessible to al l . Montesian Gardens features blooms for al l seasons with plenty of benches and a gazebo for enjoying the view.

Washington Reformation UCC Music Fest July 4

Monticello Homecoming July 8-10

URBAN RD

More info: monticel lo–chamber.com

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