Generosity and hope

Walter Sprague
Art and Culture Reporter
 
During this current COVID-19 crisis, BREAD Inc. has stepped up to the challenges presented to it. Along with the generosity of the community, the organization has had success with meeting the needs of people. Under the directorship of Ken Pitlick, BREAD is still serving the community with food as some have had their livelihoods
cut back. In fact, the organization is reaching out to even more people and families, and supplying food without requiring the customary financial qualifications. You do not have to prove financial hardship to get food from the organization for the time being, according to Pitlick.
In order to maintain the state’s social distancing guidelines, Pitlick wears a mask and only one person at a time is allowed inside the food pantry. On rare occasions when the person needing help has special needs, the assistance of another individual is permitted.
“But most of the time, we stick to the rule of only one person at a time,” Pitlick said.
The pantry has been distributing about 10% more food than it did before the outbreak. But the increase has not stretched BREAD to the breaking point at all. Supplies are ordered  from the Food Bank of the Rockies in Denver, Pitlick said. That food bank has consistently and promptly provided the Newcastle organization with its orders, and due to the generosity of grocery store chains, the Denver group has been providing above and beyond in supplies. But the BREAD office never knows from week to week what additional items will arrive with each order, Pitlick said, and it’s been somewhat of a pleasant surprise each time. BREAD is well stocked, and Pitlick sees no danger of a shortage of supplies.
“There have also been outstanding donations from individuals,” Pitlick said, happy with the increased support. “Especially with money. We’ve had a few large donations from people, and overall there is more financial support,” he said 
Anyone interested in donating to BREAD can send a check to P.O. Box 384, Newcastle WY 82701. Of course, you can also drop donations off. BREAD is located at 627 Pine St. Hours are 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Thursday. If you have any questions, you may call BREAD at 746-3452.