By Isabella Zarate
For almost 40 year’s Mahomet’s Helping Hands (MHH) has been serving the community.
In 1983 a group of women from local churches came together with the idea of creating a place for Mahomet residents to get help without having to drive all the way to Champaign.
According to MHH’s Karen Wilkinson, “It was the group’s desire that the entire community be involved in this effort.”
With that in mind, the Helping Hands food pantry was born. The most popular form of service the pantry offers is the food giveaway on the third Saturday of each month. Starting from 9 a.m. and running till 11:30 a.m., those in need can visit MHH located at 203 E. Adams Street to pick up free food.
“Individuals, or families in the Mahomet-Seymour school district who are experiencing
financial difficulties or personal disasters, whether employed or unemployed, are encouraged to participate,” Wilkinson added.
Giveaways often include a diversity of food such as packaged items (like pasta and cereal), canned goods, breads, frozen meat, and fresh produce. Some giveaways also offer paper products such as tissues, and even toiletries like shampoo, deodorant, and toothpaste.
Mahomet’s Helping Hands is able to continuously serve thanks to the generosity of their many sponsors and donors.
“True to the wishes of the founders, MHH is now sponsored by twenty local churches, organizations, and businesses that contribute financially and take turns working at the giveaways,” said Wilkinson.
Funds collected from both donors and sponsors allow the pantry to purchase the necessary food and goods from the Eastern Illinois Foodbank at reasonable rates.
In addition, food drives held by schools and the post office tend to bring in a good amount of food for each giveaway.
For those wanting to contribute, monetary donations may be made to Mahomet Helping Hands at Busey Bank of Mahomet or mailed to P.O.Box 254, Mahomet, IL 61853. Furthemore, non-perishable food and paper products can also be dropped off at the Center at 203 E. Adams Street on the second Saturday of each month from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
“We want everyone in the community to know that they can come to us for food. While the giveaway is just once a month, individuals in an emergency situation can also call Ann Paul, our president, at 217-586-3392.”
