BY TINA L. SCOTT
EDITOR
Now in it’s 11th year, Merrill will host their annual Fill the Gazebo event on Saturday, June 15, 2024, from 9-11 a.m. in the gazebo in Normal Park. This is a change from prior years when the event was held in August.
In 2013, Fill the Gazebo began as a means of addressing food insecurity in the area community, replacing the annual CROP Walk.
The CROP Walk, while also addressing food insecurity, resulted in only 25 percent of those funds kept locally. Fill the Gazebo keeps 100 percent of the donations local. The food donations are divided between Merrill’s three food pantries – the Community Food Pantry, Trinity’s Open Hearts Food Pantry, and the New Testament His Hands Extended Food Pantry – and the Food For Kids program.
Area residents are asked to bring non-perishable food donations, personal toiletries and hygience items, paper products, and financial donations to the gazebo during this time for collection. Any checks should be made payable to: St. Stephens UCC with “Fill the Gazebo” in the memo line. Check can also be mailed directly to St. Stephens UCC, 903 E. 2nd St., Merrill WI 54452.
Some churches and organizations may be collecting items in advance to bring to the greater, collective event.
Email [email protected] with any questions.