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We’re Looking for Community Partners for the #52WeekChallenge

The Dublin Food Pantry Board created the 52 Week Challenge as a fresh way to work with community partners who often ask, “How can we help?”

Help is welcomed! In 2022, pantry customer numbers (individuals served monthly) have tripled since 2019. For instance, in March and April, individuals served numbered 2,641 and 2,550 respectively.

Deb Papesh, who spearheaded this challenge along with Amy LaDu, noted, “businesses, clubs, individuals have stepped up to share awareness and support of the pantry mission to connect people with needed food, essentials, and resources. The Board’s Development Committee will continue to utilize the #52weekchallenge umbrella to serve as a springboard discussion of possible future partners as the pantry has outgrown its current space and is seeking a move to another building site.”

Amy pointed out, “originally, we envisioned one partner a week for the full year, but, because of overwhelming response to our outreach, we have been double or even triple booking. Some of our partners have requested a month or even three months, and we have been going with it.” Other DFP team leaders for the 52 Week Program include former Board member Barb Anderson and Board members Rick Guzak, and Linda Chlapaty.

“The 52 Week Challenge is off to a great start. It has been great to meet new partners and work with long-term partners in this way as we collect “most needed” items and work to raise awareness about need in Dublin Food Pantry’s service area. This area includes 8 zip codes, parts of 3 counties, and all of Dublin School District – the 9th largest in Ohio.” said program coordinator and board member Deb Papesh.

Dublin Food Pantry is a 501(3)c charity and receipts are always available.

▶︎ If you would like to find out more about being a 52 Week Partner, please contact

Amy C. LaDu via email at amycladu@gmail.com or

Deb Papesh via email at debpapesh4@gmail.com

The pantry’s first three 52 Week Partners, Healthy Blends, Scott’s Jewelers, and Leo Alfred Jewelers kicked-off the challenge with social media posts showing their personal support of the pantry and by hosting on-site collections. This enthusiasm was contagious.

Other community partners have included:

The Dublin Pickleball Club, Balanced Family Academy, The Spa at River Ridge, Anthony Vince Salon Dublin, Rusty Bucket, Nothing Bundt Cakes Dublin, Dewey’s Pizza, Dublin Community Preschool and Trike-A-Thon, Gillespie Coldwell Broker, Goldfish Swim School, Alli Close’s Birthday Bash, MAG, Chile Verde host of Deb Papesh’s Birthday Party, River Park Dental, Winchester Institute, and Lifetime Fitness Dublin.

These partners help by:

Sharing posts of partners “in action” collecting or donating funds, food + essentials. Posts and videos like these draw attention to partners in a positive way and are shared by Dublin Food Pantry.

♡ Placing collection bins for most needed food and essential at their location.

♡ Displaying flyers with a partner QR code link for pantry donations to help raise much needed funds.

♡ Hosting the “dip jar” (a credit card donation machine that lights up when a donation is made.)

♡ Raising community awareness that help is available at Dublin Food Pantry and to encourage others to join in and help.

♡ Showing their commitment to a healthy community.

SOME MORE WAYS TO HELP

SHARE YOUR IDEAS

If you and/or your organization would like to join us in our work connecting people with needed food, essentials, and resources – we can use your help. Listed below, are the main ways to help us. Recently, we have worked with those who preferred to remain anonymous and with groups on special projects to help the most vulnerable in our community.

HOST A DRIVE

Consider hosting a food, essential or fund drive.

LET OTHERS KNOW

Did you know that we serve the Dublin School District, 9th largest school district in Ohio, and Dublin, Ohio the 16th largest city in Ohio? During the pandemic we have helped many who never imagined that they would visit a neighborhood pantry. That’s why we appreciate your help sharing pantry Instagram + Facebook + Twitter posts and letting neighbors know that we are here to help. The GET HELP page on our website provides complete information how we can help.

SELECT DUBLIN FOOD PANTRY FOR AMAZON SMILE

AmazonSmile will donate 0.5% of your eligible Charity List purchases, at NO cost to you, please select Dublin Food Pantry.

DONATE ONLINE https://www.dublinfoodpantry.org/donate/

It is easy to donate online by clicking on the gold DONATE box (on every page of the DFP website) Your donation to our pantry can be designated “in memory of” or “in honor of” or “behalf of” if you’d like. Thank you to the Columbus Foundation for this direct donation link. There is a $20 donation minimum. Or, please click on GIVE BUTTER on the DFP website to donate in any amount.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP #fillingheartsandcarts

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– Patte Widerschein