Town Pump foundation to match food bank, soup kitchen donations

The Town Pump Charitable Foundation will match up to $7,500 on behalf of Havre Food Bank, and $1,000 on behalf of Feed My Sheep Soup Kitchen between now and the end of November.

That will be part of the $3 million the foundation hopes to raise for food banks and soup kitchens around Montana this year.

Anyone who donates to any of the food banks will have their donation matched by the foundation.

The money is used to purchase perishable food items such as milk, bread, fruit and vegetables.

The funds are becoming more crucial in helping many food bank organizations simply stay open through payment of rent, utilities, and space for storage, refrigeration and freezing, said a foundation spokeswoman.

“The Town Pump fundraiser keeps us going through the winter months,” said Lorna Bjerga, of the Havre Food Bank. “It’s very much appreciated.”

The foundation hopes to raise $3 million for food programs throughout Montana this year.

A record 75 food banks are participating in the statewide “Be A Friend in Deed, Helping Those In Need” campaign this year.

Donations for the campaign are being collected at Havre Town Pumps; Lucky Lil’s, Montana Lil’s and Magic Diamond Casinos; and TownHouse Inn. Donations also can be made directly to Havre Food Bank, 2229 5th Ave., or the Feed My Sheep Soup Kitchen, P.O. Box 407, both in Havre, MT 59501.