Wisconsin State Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation

TURKEY HUNTERS CARE

Turkeys Complete Christmas Meals

Peter's Pantry Thankful For 150 Donated Birds

BY KEVIN BRALEY
Herald Times Reporter
December 16, 2007

MANITOWOC - Without the 150 turkeys donated to Peter's Pantry on Saturday, the nonprofit organization likely would not be able to offer a main course for needy families this Christmas. The turkeys, purchased from Copps Food Center in Manitowoc through donations from area individuals and groups including Copps, are a "godsend," pantry manager Roseanne Erdmann said: "This is really nice," Erdmann said. "These are going to go a long way. Without these, we wouldn't be able to complete the (Christmas) meal."

Peter's Pantry plans to offer stuffing, cranberries, mashed potatoes and other traditional holiday side dishes. The whole, 10- to 12-pound birds were purchased with about $1,500 donated from 14 different businesses or groups. The fund-raising began with a $100 donation from the National Wild Turkey Federation's East Coast Gobblers Chapter in Manitowoc.

Peter's Pantry on Saturday received 150 turkeys from Copps Food Center in Manitowoc, thanks to donations from 14 area groups. From left are: Carol Stuckmann of the National Wild Turkey Federation, Henry Grant of MPU IUOE Local 266, Wally Mielke of the NWTF, Roseanne Erdmann of Peter's Pantry, Mark Gaedtke and Lane Landon of Copps Food Center. Eric Young/HTR

Wally Mielke Jr., the group's president, solicited a $100 match donation from area groups and businesses. "People are already asking me if they can donate next year," Mielke said. "Many of these places gave to us with no questions asked." Mielke hopes next year to double the amount raised. Lane Landon, Copps Food Center store director, said giving to Peter's Pantry is a good way to give back to the community.

"(The community) supports us all year, so we feel the need to give back," Landon said. "This is a good cause."

"We're thankful for all the people who donate to us," Erdmann said. "Without them, we couldn't do this." Erdmann said the pantry likely will help 200 to 250 families next week. "We get hit this time of year especially hard," Erdmann said. "People want to provide something better for their families this time of year." In 2006, Peter's Pantry bought turkeys using donations from area churches, Erdmann said.

To donate to Peter's Pantry, call (920) 682-6989. Peter's Pantry is open to customers from 10 to 11:30 a.m. weekdays, excluding Wednesday.

Kevin Braley. (920) 686-2105 or kbraleyQhtrnews.com