KDSN RADIO News
Manning’s “2024 Pack the Pantry” Raises over $ 8,600 for Local Food Pantry
Article by Tim Weible of Manning Rotarty:
Our local Food Pantry shelves were almost bare, and the Manning Community responded!
Manning’s “2024 Pack the Pantry” event raised over $8600 in contributions from a record 27
sponsors on October 2nd. Each sponsored team had five minutes to shop for needed products
at Carroll’s Fareway on October 2nd.
Manning Rotary organized the competition, loaded groceries in pickups and vehicles, and then
transported the items to the local pantry. C-3 and other community volunteers also assisted.
Special thanks to Kara Havick, Katie Wall, and Amanda Blum for taking the lead on organizing
this event, Todd Statlander for dressing as a referee to hilariously enforce the rules of shopping
with a whistle, Pastor Riggert and C3 for their help, Mindi Boyle from the Food Pantry, and
Fareway manager Brian Baumhover for accommodating our noisy fundraiser during morning
business hours.
Twenty seven teams from community businesses, organizations, and families pledged $250 to
participate in the shopping competition. The team whose purchases were closest to $250
without going over would claim the “competition” trophy. The team sponsored by Bev
Ahrenholtz and Patti Muhlbauer claimed the trophy within cents of the goal. A special shout out
goes to Bill Langel with the Knights of Columbus, who generously ignored the $250 guidelines,
and purchased over $1800 of groceries for our pantry.
Since 2017, Pack the Pantry events have purchased over $37,000 of goods to stock pantry
shelves. Each month, between 15-20 households have access to food and other needs (paper
and hygiene products, laundry supplies, diapers, etc.). The Pantry continues to fill a critical
need in the IKM-Manning community.
We want to heartily thank the following team sponsors for their contributions.
Manning Insurance, MMU, Twin Transfer, United Methodist, Vision Care, MRHC, Home Mutual,
State Farm, Brian Irlbeck Family, Farm Credit, Soll’s Service, Northwest Mutual, Marketplace,
Nexgen, Dr. McLaws Family, Templeton Savings, Halbur Family, Ben and Kathy Puck, BP, First
National Bank, EWSA, United Bank of Iowa, C3, Fareway, Manning Rotary, Knights of Columbus,
and Ranniger Law Firm.
Households wanting more information on the pantry can contact New Opportunities at 712-
792-9266, ext. 1642. Any individuals and organizations will be welcome to participate in our
Pack the Pantry event again next year.
We love Manning. Thank you all for your support.
Tim Weible President of Manning Rotary
