Shawnee Development Council Inc. hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony on Nov. 6 to celebrate its new food bank structure, which was donated by LP Outdoor Building Solutions and Summit Portable Buildings. From left are William Hall, Shawnee Development Council board member; Joe Griggs, Shawnee Development Council board member; Ervin Stutzman, Summit Portable Buildings chief operating officer; Shannon Latham, Summit Portable Buildings director of sales; Denna Williams, Shawnee Development Council executive direct

Structure donated for area food pantry

KARNAK, Ill. – LP Outdoor Building Solutions, in partnership with Summit Portable Buildings, donated an outdoor structure to serve as a community food bank for the Karnak-based nonprofit organization Shawnee Development Council Inc. 

To celebrate the opening, the organizations hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony on Wednesday, Nov. 6.

The food bank came to fruition when AJ Keating, segment marketing associate of LP Outdoor Building Solutions, saw a commercial conceptualizing the idea and contacted Summit Portable Buildings to make the food bank a reality. 

From there, they reached out to several nonprofits, including Shawnee Development Council Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to helping families obtain the resources for self-sufficiency and a better quality of life. 

After learning about their needs, they identified the council as the nonprofit for the project.

“At LP, we value giving back to communities around the U.S. through different charitable efforts. I was touched by the idea of using an LP shed as a food bank, and am grateful we were able to bring this project to life with the help of local shed dealer and LP customer, Summit Portable Buildings. We look forward to the start of this long-term charitable partnership,” says Keating.

The donation will improve the abilities of the Shawnee Development Council Inc. to serve its community through food donations by providing a main storage facility to be utilized before transporting food to each of its three local pantries. 

“Assisting lower income families with basic needs is our priority as a Community Action Agency,” says Denna Williams, executive director of Shawnee Development Council Inc.

“On average, approximately 700 households are receiving food on a monthly basis at our three pantries in the surrounding counties. 

“The placement of this food bank at our administrative office will assist in raising awareness of real needs in our community and offer support for the recipients. 

“We are grateful for the vision shown by LP Outdoor Building Solutions and Summit Portable Buildings to help support our mission.” 

The organizations celebrated the opening of the food bank at the ribbon cutting ceremony on Wednesday, Nov. 6, at the Shawnee Development Council Inc.’s corporate office, which is located at 530 W. Washington St. in Karnak.

Shawnee Development Council Inc. has served low-income individuals and families in Southern Illinois since 1965. 

The council offers a full range of programs in Alexander, Johnson, Massac, Pulaski, Union, Pope and Hardin counties. 

LP Building Solutions manufactures uniquely engineered, innovative building products.

Summit Portable Buildings is a family-owned business that has provided entirely customizable and hand-crafted storage solutions for over 16 years.

The Gazette-Democrat

112 Lafayette St.
Anna, Illinois 62906
Office Number: (618) 833-2158
Email: news@annanews.com

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