Food-bank challenge gets front-page coverage

STEVENSON — Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church invested $6,000 to start a new campaign called the Community Food Bank Challenge, but that's turned out to be just the beginning.

In its campaign, the small congregation is matching every dollar community members donate to local food banks with its own matching dollar-for-dollar donation, up to $6,000.

The congregation has opened accounts in three local banks where community members can donate directly. Also, visitors to the main grocery store in Stevenson, A&J Select, can have coupons for $1, $5, or $20 scanned for the cause. Service clubs and the local library are helping. Shepherd of the Hills is challenging local companies to include information about the campaign in paychecks in the campaign that continues through April.

"The need in our area has dramatically increased as of late and the food banks are slammed," the Rev. Ron McClung explained. "The local paper is writing about it (front page and editorial) and it is the talk of the town."

Church members raised the $6,000 by dipping into its endowment fund and through an individual's contribution. — Rachel Pritchett