Fairmont volunteer honored with 10,000 pound send-off
The Salvation Army and Hy-Vee grocery in Fairmont, Minnesota, are holding a special food drive to salute a very special volunteer.
Now through Sept. 6, local residents and organizations are kindly asked to donate nonperishable foods in honor of volunteer extraordinaire Ken Wolfgram, who is moving to Colorado.
“Our goal is to raise 10,000 pounds of food – that’s about one pound of food for every resident of Fairmont,” said Major Dale Hixenbaugh (pictured with Ken), Fairmont Salvation Army administrator. “We need this food to keep our food shelf going strong after Ken is gone. He will be sorely missed.”
Here’s exactly why Ken will be missed:
Ten-thousand pounds of food will last the food shelf just under three months, during which time Major Dale hopes to find another dedicated volunteer or two like Ken.
“Although we can’t expect anybody to put in the amount of time Ken has, we’d be in good shape if one or more people committed to helping out a few hours per week,” Major Dale said.
The Fairmont Salvation Army provides food and other services to hundreds of people every month.
Major Dale is challenging local businesses, churches, and other organizations to donate at least 100 pounds of food for this important food drive.
How You Can Help
To give, donate nonperishable food items at the Fairmont Salvation Army, 114 E. Blue Earth Ave., during regular business hours. Beginning Aug. 23, donations can also be dropped off at Hy-Vee, 907 S. State St., 24 hours a day. You also have the option to give online, and your money will be used to purchase the most needed items.
After you donate, mark your calendar for Saturday, Sept. 6, when an official food weigh-in and celebration of Ken will be held at Hy-Vee from 9 to 11 a.m.
“Although 10,000 pounds is a lot of weight, it’s still not as heavy as our hearts will be after Ken leaves,” Major Dale said. “He’s been an incredible blessing to The Salvation Army and the people of Fairmont. We love Ken, and thank him for the time he’s given us.”