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The Onalaska Emergency Food Basket at 735 Sand Lake Road has been remodeled and now has a new coordinator, Ruth Krett.
Krett replaced Linda Smith, who retired Oct. 30 so her husband’s railroad pension would not be reduced, according to Mike Paoli, Food Basket board president. Smith hasn’t gone anywhere, Paoli said, and will still be volunteering occasionally and remain on the board.
Paoli said the renovations are thanks to American Legion members. “The American Legion has gone way out of its way,” Paoli said. “They’ve been outstanding with all that work in remodeling and painting under the direction of Al Topel.”
The facility now has more space. The remodeling included the installation of new insulation, a new furnace, air conditioner, new lighting, new and realigned shelving. The American Legion also refinished the floors, waxed and glazed them.
The Food Basket remained open during renovations.
“It’s like night and day,” Paoli said.
The Food Basket used to use the back of the building for storage. Now that the Food Basket has the remodeled garage for storage, the Legion can use the back of the building. The new shelving helps make better use of the space.
Krett said the remodeling allows patrons to walk through the facility with shopping baskets and take items from shelves as if in a grocery store. “We’ve revamped everything so everyone who comes in will get more food than they ever have, more choices,” Krett said. “We’ve brought food out to the people so they can pick more. We will offer them choices, as long as we have supplies.”
Krett said each patron will still get a standard bag of basics, but will be able to choose optional items such as cleaning products, personal care items, produce and bread items.
Both Paoli and Krett said they are hopeful Rotary Lights will be successful and the shelves will fill up quickly.
The Onalaska-Holmen Emergency Food Basket is open weekdays from 9 to 11 a.m. Donations are welcome during open hours or by appointment. For more information, call the pantry at 783-7722.
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