Withers retires as manager for SAFPARC

By: 
Luke Reimer
Reporter

One local resident has called it a career in regards to managing the Shawano Area Food Pantry and Resource Center.

Gillett resident Flo Withers retired from her position as manager of the pantry on April 30. The pantry provides food to low-income families who live in Shawano County.

The food pantry started as a collection of smaller food pantries from churches within the Shawano community. In 2004, Withers helped to combine those smaller food pantries into one larger entity.

Withers said that, as the manager of the food pantry, her responsibilities were pretty basic.

“I did things like making sure the food was out before it expired and making sure everything ran smoothly,” said Withers.

She said that a lasting memory of working at the food pantry will be working with all of the volunteers.

“One thing that I will remember is working with all of the volunteers,” said Withers. “They are all essential.”

During her tenure managing, Withers noticed that patrons of the food pantry were often amazed and thankful by the help of the community.

“When people would come in, I would often see their jaw drop,” said Withers. “People were so grateful.”

Withers explained that the food pantry was often busy and as people heard of its existence, more families would come. She also mentioned that, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the food pantry was set up for 30-40 families.

As the pandemic continued, she said that less people were coming to the food pantry due to financial help programs.

She said that all of the time that she spent volunteering at the food pantry was constructive.

“Helping those in the community who need help really makes volunteering time worth it,” said Withers.

In her retirement, Withers said that she has received cards and phone calls from people in the community and people who have worked with her at the pantry.

She said that she is just going to relax in her retirement.

“I don’t have to have a goal now,” said Withers.

Withers said that the passion for working with the food pantry came from her childhood, as she grew up in the great depression. She also not only said that it helps the community but also herself.

“I grew up in the depression and saw that people need help,” said Withers. “It not only helps the community, but it also helps me — it gives life a meaning and it gives you a reason to get up everyday.”

She believes that having the public know about the pantry is important within the community.

“This is important because this is an instance where people can help their neighbor,” said Withers. “This is a way to bring the community together.”