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News
By Vicki Browne
Ten thousand pairs of Bombas socks for neighbors in need arrived at Donna and Bill Rossi’s home in mid-October. Forty boxes, each containing 250 pairs of black socks ranging in size from extra-small to extra-large, nearly overwhelmed the Rossi’s garage until they could be transported to the St Vincent de Paul Food Pantry in Iron River.
Donna Rossi, a long-time volunteer at the pantry, became aware of the Bombas Giving program three years ago, when the Iron County Medical Care Facility received socks and shared them with both the Iron River and Crystal Falls St Vincent de Paul pantries. (Bombas pledges to give one pair of socks away for every pair purchased.)
“I went to the Bombas Giving Team website and filled out the form,” Rossi said. “We got a couple of boxes of socks for our neighbors in need, so the following year I completed the more detailed form to get annual donations of socks.”
The second application was denied because there were too many requests that year, but Rossi was encouraged to try again the following year. In September of this year, two years after that second request, Rossi learned that the St Vincent de Paul pantry was going to get 10,000 pairs of socks from Bombas.
“I thought it was a scam until I got a call while I was volunteering at the pantry,” Rossi said. “My husband asked if I’d ordered 40 boxes of socks.”
Iron River’s St Vincent de Paul conference is part of the Archdiocese of Marquette district. Crystal Falls, Florence, Iron Mountain and Norway are also in this district.
Rossi shared the sock bounty with each conference in the district.
“Our neighbors in need are so happy to get socks,” said Rossi. “Each family member gets two pairs of socks.”
Rossi indicated that although she was originally overwhelmed by the Bombas donation, over half the socks have been distributed to families in Iron River and to other district St Vincent de Paul pantries.
Rossi indicated that although the number of families that come to the pantry varies, there has been a 40-50% increase in the number of neighbors in need this year.
“There are more people in need and the price of groceries has gone up,” said Rossi. “We have to find creative ways of getting more money and food for the pantry, especially for the holidays.”
The Iron River St Vincent de Paul food pantry accepts monetary, non-perishable food and toiletry (shampoo, laundry soap, soap, etc.) donations. During the month of November, look for posters around town with details about the ‘Can-a-thon’ drive.
Non-perishable food and toiletry donations can be dropped off inside the thrift store on the stairs that go up to the pantry. Monetary donations can be dropped off or mailed to St Vincent de Paul Food Pantry, located at 313 W Genesee Street on the second floor of the building that houses the thrift store. The pantry is open on Mondays and Wednesdays from 10:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.
Families in need should visit the pantry to talk to a volunteer. Bring identification, proof of residence in Iron River, Gaastra or Caspian, and proof of income or a Bridge card. All information is kept strictly confidential.