Kathy Jo Schweitzer (right), organizer of the “Simple Gestures” program, was extremely pleased to recently present a total of 1,393 items in 28 boxes and four extra-large bags to Food Coordinator Ann Heckerd and Jan Russell of the St. Vincent DePaul Food Pantry in Port Clinton.

It can be quite a struggle to keep the shelves of a food pantry stocked throughout the year, especially one as busy as the St. Vincent DePaul Food Pantry in Port Clinton.

Kathy Jo Schweitzer of Port Clinton, creator and organizer of “Simple Gestures,” said the program’s volunteers have been working extra hard to fill that need. The group was pleased to present a total of 1,393 items in 28 boxes and four extra-large bags. They containing a wide range of food and other products much needed by the Vincent DePaul Food Pantry, a source of goods for many in the community who are struggling.

The program contributors filled labeled boxes with canned fruit, crackers, beans, peanut butter and snacks, mac and cheese, rice and pasta, dinners and meals, soups, cereals, soaps and feminine hygiene products, canned vegetables, spaghetti sauce, and other miscellaneous products.

Especially needed were bags filled with Kleenex and seven bags of hygiene products, which were given to school nurses at Bataan Elementary, Port Clinton Middle School and Immaculate Conception School. The huge amount of goods was the program’s 17th and 18th community distributions since its inception in 2015.

“Simple Gestures” is a basic program designed to allow a group of people to assist in contributing needs for the community without having to do the research, organization or distribution, said Schweitzer.

“It was my goal to make sure no financial burden was ever put on anyone, allowing each contributor to choose what and how many items they wished to give, or simply to not participate at all,” she said. “Our program is open to anyone wanting to assist the community from time to time. A simple effort in a small amount of time can certainly make a big difference in the lives of many.”

To view the program details, contact Schweitzer at MSKJS10@gmail.com.