When Jo Otsby mentioned to her pastor that she thought the food donation program could use a little help, she did not expect his response.
He said, "Well, go do something. "
"So, I did," she said.
For the past 29 years, the Greater Urbana Food Bank has served the needy in the community under Jo's leadership.
"The Food Bank receives referrals of prescreened families from local schools, principals, counselors, and social workers. It meets a basic but critical need in the southeast portion of Frederick County. During the pandemic, the food bank filled the gap for 150 students who were no longer receiving free breakfasts and free lunches at school. It also helps active duty and veteran military personnel, men, women, children, those who have addictions and are alcoholics, are unemployed and terminally ill. We serve 259 families every month; that's over 800 men, women and children who solely rely upon us for food," says Jo.
Along the way, Jo learned that, by the time people were referred to the food bank, they were in dire straits. It wasn't simply food they needed. Many were behind in their bills, had foregone medical and dental attention, were without transportation and had clothing needs.
"Yes, it was great that we were giving food to them, but they needed so much more from us. In every area of life, they needed help. So, we asked of the community, and they met the need. And they continue to provide everything to take the stress out of these people's lives," says Jo. "We provide full Thanksgiving meals, gifts for Christmas, Easter baskets, baby equipment, clothing, diapers, furniture and school supplies. I don't know how it's going to work this year because the gifts come from the community and the schools."
The donations come to the food bank through community sponsorship such as schools, churches, individuals, local businesses and sports teams. Urbana Each week, Giant donates food and participates in an ongoing donation program with a cart by the door designated for food donation drop off.
With Jo's oversight, the food bank thrives. And because it is within her home, she fills her days serving others.
"As a three-time breast cancer survivor, this is my reason to get off the couch. If I didn't have this, I don't know how it would have gone. I had people depending on me, waiting for me to get back up on my feet, and I did. I knew I was needed and that what I do is important. For me, this has been pretty much everything," says Jo. Find them at GreaterUrbanaAreaFoodBank.org or search them on Facebook.
Article by Rhonda Stephens
Originally published in Frederick Lifestyle