This holiday time of the year, the food pantry portion of the Depot Exchange Thrift Store, 1170 Lincoln Avenue, Fennimore, typically sees an increase in donations, but this year, the increase has been even bigger than average. 

“We always see an increase in food and monetary donations in November and December,” explained Shelly Hartline, food pantry manager at the Depot Exchange. “But because of the holidays or other various reasons, this year’s increase has been bigger than normal.”

Originally, Hartline had a list of donors for the months of November and December, but with the large increase in donations or donors,  Hartline opted for a general “thank you” as to not leave anyone out.

“We’ve just had so many people and organizations make donations,  it’s just too many to name and we just don’t want to leave anyone out, so thank you to all those who have donated,” Hartline went on to say.

But the giving doesn’t have to end with the holiday season. Food and other donations are accepted during the Depot Exchange Thrift Store business hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. until 5 p.m., and Saturdays, 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.

Donation drop-offs can be made at the back parking lot of the store. Follow the signs posted.

For those in need, food pantry pickups are held on the first and third Wednesdays of the month from 1:30 until 4:30 p.m., and is open to all residents of the Fennimore School District.

All proceeds from sales at the thrift store also go toward the food pantry.

Anyone with donation, food distribution, or other questions may contact the Depot Exchange Thrift Store and Food Pantry at (608) 822-4060 or e-mail depotexchange@tds.net.