Delano Helping Hands aims to eliminate food insecurity in our community one meal at a time. Our organization is entirely volunteer run, which means we spend nearly every donated dollar on our friends and neighbors in need instead of overhead. We help people going through tough times regain a sense of security until they’re back on their feet, as well as provide a needed safety net for seniors trying to make ends meet.
Our History
In 1985, Reverend Gehard Meiners of St. Paul’s United Church of Christ in Delano saw a need to supply people in the community going through difficult times with the necessities of life, food and hygiene. Reverend Meiners contacted community leader Char Iten to help. Under Char’s indispensable leadership, the Delano Helping Hands food shelf began its mission, distributing Thanksgiving and Christmas boxes of nonperishable food through Reverend Meiner’s church.
We have since grown to a full-scale food shelf with fresh produce, frozen meats, eggs, cheese and other nutritious items, as well as shelf-stable supplies like flour, oil, canned goods, peanut butter and cereal. The food shelf quickly outgrew the space at St. Paul’s and moved to bigger locations as time went on. Our current location is 221 2nd Ave N., Suite 110, Delano.
Our Leadership
Two directors currently manage Delano Helping Hands along with oversight from a board of directors.
Directors
Sarah Hagen
JoMarie Williamson
Board of Directors
Jeanie Pilarski, President
Barb Barten, Treasurer
Sharon Weber, Secretary
JoMarie Williamson, Board member
The food shelf also draws volunteers from area churches and the community to keep its operations running smoothly. Many people along the way have been instrumental in making Delano Helping Hands what it is today and helping countless people get the food and other items they need. Thank you to all current and former volunteers. We couldn’t do it without you!