Cancellations don’t dampen Mt. Pleasant giving spirit

MT. PLEASANT - The pandemic may have halted and postponed events and activities near and dear to Mt. Pleasant residents, but it hasn't stopped the community's giving and supportive spirit.

Following the cancellation of the 2020 Midwest Old Threshers Reunion, Old Threshers Foundation Executive Director Alan Huisinga held a rummage and garage sale on Labor Day weekend as a fundraiser for both the Reunion and local organizations.

Huisinga said after realizing how nonprofits and local groups may be struggling after losing a major fundraising opportunity with the cancellation of the Reunion, he was compelled to give back to the community.

Of the $5,000 he raised, Huisinga has distributed $2,500 to local organizations. The remaining money will go toward two specific causes: the annual Mt. Pleasant Community Thanksgiving Dinner and Henry County nonprofit, the Fellowship Cup.

In collaboration with Midwest Old Threshers, Huisinga is asking those who will be participating in the organization's annual Festival of Light Walk/Fun Run on Nov. 22 to bring at least three food items as a donation to the causes. In return, Huisinga will cover the cost of admission for the runner or walker. Any admission fees that are paid that evening will be donated to the Fellowship Cup.

'I feel pretty positive that people are going to come out and support,” Huisinga said.

Items collected will go first to support the community Thanksgiving dinner, a free meal that is hosted in the community each year. This year the meal is sponsored by the Grace Community Friends Church.

Deb Savage, an organizer of the meal, said it is the first time in the fifteen-plus years since the dinner began that the group is collaborating with the Fellowship Cup. Meals will be served as a carryout from the Fellowship Cup. Anyone can sign up for the free meal and pick it up from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day.

Anyone interested in requesting a meal should call 319-931-2287 or contact the Grace Community Friends Church on Facebook by Nov. 20.

'The target is those in need, but anyone can request a meal,” Savage said.

Any leftover donations will go to the Fellowship Cup's food pantry, which is now gearing up for the holiday season. The nonprofit will hold its annual Thanksgiving box food distribution on Tuesday, Nov. 4.

Ken Brown, executive director of the Fellowship Cup, said the holidays are often a giving time of year and with the pandemic, the nonprofit has seen an outpouring of support from the community.

'The blessing that we've had throughout this whole year with COVID is that giving is on people's minds even more so. Since COVID hit, people have been pouring out food, money - and that's been amazing to see,” he said.

Brown added he's not surprised that people like Huisinga were inspired to think of ways to further help the community through donations and said he was thankful for the support.

'It just goes with the spirit of the community. Somebody is always thinking of somebody else and what they can do,” Brown said.

Savage added the community has a history of volunteerism unlike any other and echoed Brown's words about the support the community shows to those in need.

'My kids growing up have always said one of the biggest things in Mt. Pleasant is that there's always somebody out there looking out for you, somebody is always cheering you on and being a part of things, and the community is really open to good ideas and things that benefit other people,” she said.

Being able to see his donations help local causes has been incredibly rewarding for Huisinga. The foundation executive director said 'the feeling is unparalleled.”

'It's a tremendous feeling of happiness and hope for the future that so many people can come together to make this possible,” he said.

Both the Community Thanksgiving Dinner and the Fellowship Cup have suggested items for donation: cranberry sauce, chicken broth, turkey gravy seasoning, canned vegetables, butter, canned fruit, baked beans, cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, stuffing, instant mashed potato, toilet paper and hygiene products.

Brown added the best drop-off day for those interested in donating directly to the Fellowship Cup is Thursday.