Editorial
Replenishing response

Central Missourians once again have answered the prayers of Samaritan Center volunteers.

After a ripple effect from the Gulf hurricanes depleted the Samaritan Center's food coffers, area residents responded.

The Samaritan Center provides food for about 1,300 families in Mid-Missouri. A third of its supplies come from the Central Missouri Food Bank, a United Way of Central Missouri member agency.

In the aftermath of the damage and chaos caused by Hurricane Katrina, followed by Hurricane Rita, America's Second Harvest, which supplies the local food bank, was directed by the federal government to divert 80 percent of its supplies to the Gulf Coast.

Faced with that 80 percent cut, Samaritan Center volunteers -- led by volunteer Executive Director Marylyn DeFeo -- issued a public plea for help.

And the public responded, in abundance.

In past weeks, numerous food drives have been held.

Nearly every school -- public and parochial, from elementary to university -- has contributed to the effort. A number of state agencies, private businesses, and churches also have assisted.

Individual people were moved to help. "We've had little kids come in with their piggy banks," DeFeo said. "People walk in with fives and tens and others write a check for $100 or $500. It's great."

We are blessed to live in a community that responds so eagerly and so generously when a need arises -- time and again.

News Tribune