Rockford Rescue Mission in urgent need of meat donations

Online Staff Report

Rockford Rescue Mission is running out of meat — beef, poultry and pork — and is issuing a request to the community for help.

The Mission uses nearly 60 pounds of meat per day (nearly 22,000 pounds per year) in the meals it serves to those who come to the Mission for food or shelter. Currently, their freezer is holding enough to last for only two to three weeks.

Rockford Rescue Mission Executive Director Sherry Pitney suggests that as the Boone County Fair wraps up this week and the Winnebago County Fair begins next week, individuals, groups and organizations might consider purchasing livestock at the 4-H auctions and donating it to the Mission.

“Donating livestock purchased at the county fairs is a great opportunity for all involved,” Pitney said. “You’ll be supporting the young person who has raised the animal for the auction, and the donated meat will help feed the needy.”

Pitney advises people who are interested to contact the Mission’s food service manager at (815) 965-5332, ext. 108, for more details. Donors will receive a receipt for tax purposes.

The community can also help by donating packaged meat including beef, poultry or pork. The meat can be delivered to the Mission at 715 W. State St., daily from 6:30 a.m. until 6:30 p.m.

“The Rockford community is always so generous when it comes to caring for their fellow citizens and supporting the Mission’s efforts to assist them,” Pitney said. “I’m sure that as they become aware of our need for meat — an essential part of the hundreds of meals we serve each day — they’ll do everything they can to help, and we’re grateful.”

Additional information about the Mission’s programs and services can be found online at www.rockfordrescuemission.org.

Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year since 1964, Rockford Rescue Mission provides nutritious meals and safe shelter for thousands of hungry and homeless men, women and children every year, along with recovery programs and outreach services to rescue, recover and restore the lives of those who are struggling in our Rockford community.