MERRILL, Wis. – Four Northwoods food pantries and a waterfront trail are the benefactors of $20,000 in donations made by Park City Credit Union. The Community Food Pantry of Merrill, Lakeland Pantry, Rhinelander Area Food Pantry, Tomahawk United Methodist Church Food Pantry and River Bend Trail in Merrill each received $4,000.
The donations to the four food pantries, which follows earlier donations of $500 made to each food pantry by Park City, is designed to replenish food supplies with the increase in need. Demand has spiked with the closing of schools and the loss of jobs in the region due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
“We know that our local food pantries are going to need financial support in the coming months,” said Park City CEO Val Mindak. “There is high-demand now, but we also recognize that this may be a long-term effort to help people as they regain their financial stability.”
The River Bend Trail fishing pier is on track to be constructed this year, just east of the Agra Pavilion. The $35,000 plan calls for a paved path that slopes gently toward the pier and a concrete platform with railing around it, which will make it accessible to all ages and abilities. Prior to Park City’s donation, there was about $16,000 needed to complete the project.
“Going outside is good for your health, especially right now, and this project supports an incredible outdoor place that we all love,” Mindak said. “This fishing pier at the River Bend Trail will be a beautiful place for people to come and fish for many years to come.”