It all started with someone’s passion for making chocolate candy.
That inspired Paulding County candy makers far and wide to produce more
than 70 varieties of beautiful and delicious chocolate treats. And in
the end, it raised more than $10,000 in just three hours at the
Chocolate Walk fundraiser for the Caring & Sharing Food Pantry
building fund. It was truly amazing.
The event was held in the
Youth Leadership Building at the Paulding County Fairgrounds on Dec. 15,
2022, and a crowd of chocolate enthusiasts filled the lobby before the
sale even began.
“I didn’t know what to expect,” said Rita Diaz,
pantry board of directors’ member and secretary. “But never in my
wildest dreams did I expect this. Our community is so generous. The
people who planned the event, made the chocolate and bought the
chocolate together have really helped us move our new building project
forward.”
Caring & Sharing Food Pantry is raising money to
construct a new 3,900-square-foot structure at 318 N. Walnut Street in
Paulding that will house its operation. The new building will include
space for stock storage, client shopping, office and a client enrichment
room. By the end of 2022, the community has contributed more than 80%
of the initial goal of $525,000.
The pantry is currently located
at 119 South Main Street in Paulding. Its mission is to eliminate food
insecurity in Paulding County by providing food and basic personal care
items to those who qualify. The pantry operates based on donations of
groceries and funds from individuals, churches, organizations and
businesses, as well as through the support of Feeding America and the
West Ohio Food Bank.
The pantry accepts donations of food and
groceries when it is open on Wednesdays and Saturdays, 9 a.m. to noon.
Financial donations can be sent to Caring & Sharing Food Pantry
Building Fund at P.O. Box 391, Paulding, OH 45879 or in care of the
Paulding County Area Foundation at 101 E. Perry Street, Paulding, Ohio
45879.
For more information about the pantry, volunteering
opportunities and fundraising activities, follow the Caring &
Sharing Food Pantry on Facebook. You also can contact the pantry, at
(419) 399-9562 or pauldingfoodpantry@gmail.com.