Aase Haugen staff gives in memory of Jodi Kappes

Aase Haugen staff have donated $500 to the Decorah Community Food Pantry in memory of their human resources director, Jodi Kappes, who passed away suddenly this fall. "So many of the staff at Aase Haugen worked with Jodi on a daily basis," says Sam Boeke, Aase Haugen executive director. "This is a touching way we can help our community and honor all that Jodi did for us. She was the first to volunteer for community so this was a natural gift for us to give back." "This gift will purchase almost 3,000 pounds of food," says food pantry director Matt Tapscott. "We go through about 9,000 pounds each week, so this generous gift makes a significant difference for people who visit the pantry." Decorah Community Food Pantry is run through a robust group of volunteers, many coordinated through the local RSVP chapter. Each week these volunteers rescue food from area businesses, stock the pantry shelves, help shoppers and so much more. "Our volunteers are the best," says Tapscott. "Their dedication allows us to serve so many people in the area and we are grateful for every minute they give. We are also grateful to all the area businesses who participate in our food rescue mission, to those who donate food, and to the community at large who believe in taking care of each other so no one should be hungry." The Decorah Community Food Pantry is located on Railroad Street near Spectrum and is open every weekday from 12:30 to 430 and open Tuesdays and Thursday until 7 p.m. People interested the benefits of the pantry are asked to make an appointment to come in to shop and those appointments can be made online or by calling 563-202-0872. However, any new shopper is welcome at any time to stop by and register to get signed up to shop.