Cass County Democratic Party Chair Sherry Toelle reports “The food and winter clothing drives, sponsored by the Cass County Democratic Party, were an incredible success.” Toelle said they delivered large boxes of clothing and bedding to the communities of Cass County on December 4th. She reports “We had a wide range of sizes in the clothing—from toddler to men’s 4X. Many items were brand new; there were at least 20 pair of brand new jeans donated. I was humbled by the response of the community who donated with such compassion and caring for their fellow citizens. We lost count of the items donated but I would guess that we had about 200 coats, over 100 pairs of gloves/mittens and caps for children as well as more for adults. We were surprised by the number of blankets and throws, probably about 40, to keep people warm within their homes.”

Clothing donations were distributed to West Central Community Action in Atlantic as well as the CAM Elementary Schools in Anita and Massena, and the Lord’s Closet in Griswold. Donated items will be given out free of charge to those who are in need. Food items were also donated and distributed to Care & Share in Cumberland, Anita Food Pantry, CAM Elementary Schools North (Anita) and South (Massena), and Atlantic Schools. The schools will use the donated foods in their weekend and holiday backpack programs.

Donations as they were sorted

Toelle said she wants to thank every person who donated to these drives. She added, “You are wonderfully compassionate, truly caring for your neighbors. I also want to express my gratitude to those who opened up their doors to house the drop-off boxes—Evangelical Free Church, Fire Station, and the YMCA in Atlantic; Lewis Library; Griswold Telephone Company, Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, and Rolling Hills Bank in Griswold; Cumberland Telephone Company, Library, and City Hall in Cumberland; Library, FNB Bank, and the Economy Food Market in Massena; and City Hall and Library in Anita. Without these partners, the drives would not have been as successful as they were.”

Pets weren’t forgotten either with pet food, treats, and toys being shared. Toelle concludes by saying “There is truly a need within our county for food and warm winter clothing. It is my hope that we will again sponsor a county-wide clothing drive next year so please remember us when you clean out your closets or go shopping. I just want to reiterate that these activities are non-partisan; political affiliations has no part in this when donations are distributed. That is one of the reasons that we use community resources already in place for distribution. Again, thanks to all who helped us in this endeavor.”