Federal workers give back to local food pantry
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CHEYENNE, Wyo. – This February, employees from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS), U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and other agencies came together to conduct a food drive for the St. Joseph’s Food Pantry in Cheyenne. Employees contributed approximately 300 pounds of dried and canned goods during the drive.
“We’re happy for the opportunity to contribute in this small way to the food pantry services in Cheyenne,” said BLM Wyoming State Director Mary Jo Rugwell. “We greatly appreciate the support of our local community, including the services that St. Joseph’s and other organizations offered us during the January lapse in appropriations.”
“Their support helped some of our coworkers get through a challenging time,” added Pat Deibert, FWS Wildlife Biologist. “We wanted to give back to them for their generosity, and in appreciation for what they do for members of our community.”
The St. Joseph’s Food Pantry is a volunteer-based organization that serves over 800 families per month.
“Our mission is to help anyone in need of food”, said Eva Estorga, St. Joseph’s Food Pantry Manager. “We welcome people of all backgrounds and faiths to participate in our program, either as a donor, recipient or both. We accept donations year round from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday - Thursday. These contributions help us distribute 100 bags of food to community members in need each day.”
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.