WAUPUN — Homan Auto of Waupun provided a new work van at a significantly reduced cost to the Waupun Food Pantry earlier this month.
The contribution was made on June 10, when the new van was officially sold to the Food Pantry.
“This Wednesday morning, we were thrilled to receive our new Chevrolet van, delivered by Homan Auto Sales!” the Waupun Food Pantry wrote to Facebook on Friday, June 12. “This much-needed upgrade to our pantry operations was made possible through the generosity of many donors, and we are especially grateful to Homan Auto Sales for their major contribution toward making this happen.”
“Your generosity will have a lasting impact, helping us provide food and essential resources to our neighbors in need for years to come. Together, we are making a difference,” the post concluded.
The Waupun Food Pantry relies on community support and donations to operate. The new van will be used to transport commodities, donated food, homegoods, and furniture.
“Homan Auto Group is blessed to have been able to partner with the Waupun Food Pantry by assisting with a new van that will help expand food delivery and outreach efforts throughout the community,” Homan Auto Group posted in their announcement to Facebook. “As a locally owned business, we believe in supporting organizations that make a real difference in people’s lives. The food pantry serves so many families in our area, and we’re honored to help them continue that mission.”
The post noted that they were able to provide the new van at a significantly reduced cost, which allows the Food Pantry to continue focusing their resources on their mission of public outreach.
While the old van has been in use for years and desperately needed an upgrade, that doesn’t mean that the Food Pantry wasn’t attached to it after so many years.
“Over the years, this van helped us assist so many individuals and families move into their new homes, delivering furniture, beds, appliances, and other essentials to those who otherwise had no way to transport them,” the Waupun Food Pantry posted on June 19. “When Walmart called during Covid with a semi-truck load of teddy bears, we filled it every nook and cranny in more trips than one, always having a teddy bear as a copilot. So many kids from area pantries & child services were blessed by the bears. The van even provided a home for a chipmunk until he decided to go on his way after a 3-day stay. It carried plants for local FFA projects, traveled countless miles in service to our community, and even made trips as far as Kewaskum and Neenah as word of our work spread.”
“For Terri, this van represents years of helping neighbors, building connections, and meeting needs wherever they arose. She may have left Terri stranded, may have locked the doors on her a time or two, but all and all, she was a good girl. While it’s bittersweet to see her go, we’re grateful for every mile, every delivery, and every life she touched along the way.”
The new van will hopefully serve the Food Pantry well for the coming years.
