BREAD gearing up for Christmas

Alexis Barker
NLJ Reporter
 
The Newcastle BREAD office spreads extra holiday cheer to low-income families through its Christmas basket and meat certificates. 
According to volunteer Ken Pitlick, the organization prepares special baskets full of holiday essentials for families. The baskets are distributed in the week leading up to the holiday, from Dec. 17 to Dec. 21. Meat certificates are also provided to help families purchase fresh, frozen, packaged or deli meats. 
“In November (for Thanksgiving), we gave out 114 food baskets and meat certificates,” Pitlick said. 
He explained that families are allowed to receive holiday food baskets, along with their regular allotment of two monthly visits. The meat certificates are for one of the local grocery stores, with the amount being determined by the size of family. 
Pitlick reported that BREAD serves about 154 households a month, proof that it isn’t just for the holidays. According to Pitlick, the office serves families all year round, providing food and other household necessities through donations. He noted that the office sees an increase in need during the holiday season. 
“We provide food and other things, depending on what is donated,” Pitlick said. “We do have some toys during the holidays.” 
Donations are given to the BREAD office by several businesses and individuals, Pitlick said. Donors give both products and money. Pitlick noted that the office runs specifically on donations and that no government support is given to the organization. 
“People here are amazingly generous,” Pitlick said. “People come in to make donations and the items are weighed, whether it is food or non-food. Thank you notes are then sent out to people who donate throughout the year.” 
Monetary donations are used to purchase needed items, while product donations are put on the shelves for those who visit the office for needed items. Pitlick said that all donations stay in Newcastle and that Upton has its own BREAD office. Some funds are used to purchase needed items through the Food Bank of the Rockies. 
Pitlick said that monetary donations are used to purchase items the office is running low on and that these items vary depending on the time of year and what products are being donated. Cash donations are also used to purchase the meat certificates given out during the holiday season, he said. 
“We will always take donations, all year round,” Pitlick said. “Items are very much needed, not just during the holidays.” 
Donated items must be new, unopened and not way out of date. The office will take everything from meat, eggs, and nonperishable food items to other household items, including toilet paper and medicines. 
To qualify for help from BREAD, individuals must provide proof of income and family information to determine how much food each household qualifies for. Pitlick noted that there are guidelines depending on income and family size. 
The BREAD office, located at the Weston County Senior Center, is open Monday through Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.