An annual fundraising effort for the Emporia Rescue Mission and Abundant Harvest has officially begun.
Friday marked the start of the annual Feinstein Challenge here in Emporia. The Alan Shawn Feinstein Foundation of Cranston, Rhode Island matches local donations dollar-for-dollar up to $60,000 as well as nonperishable food donations at a rate of $1 an item.
Rescue Mission Director Lee Alderman says with recent changes to tax laws, the organization has seen a drop in local donations of 45 percent recently leading to a cut back on both operations and services. He says the money from the Feinstein Challenge is vital in order to continue offering their services including their hot meal program.
Alderman adds the need for food locally remains great as they often have individuals lining up an hour to an hour and a half early in the mornings to receive food donations. The goal for this year’s fundraiser is again $60,000.
Those wishing to make a donation may send them to PO Box 901. Make checks payable to either Abundant Harvest or Emporia Rescue Mission.
The Feinstein Challenge will run until April. For more information contact Lee Alderman at 79
