by Kevin Zimmermann
SHEBOYGAN, WI (WHBL) – A drive through Evergreen Park during the holidays is a sight to behold, but the real wonder of the “Making Spirits Bright” event is the impact on hunger in Sheboygan County.
Gerry Plehn is one of the co-founders of the annual event that collects food for the Sheboygan County Food Pantry and, so far, she says people have really come through. The campaign, which is run by three Sheboygan County Rotary Clubs, set a “lofty” goal of 150,000 pounds – a 50% increase over last year, and Plehn says that as of Monday, 96,500 pounds had already been collected. And with eight more nights remaining in the park, along with 27 collection boxes out in the community, Plehn is optimistic that their goal will be met.
Food donations are requested upon entering Evergreen Park, but Plehn says you shouldn’t stay away if you can’t afford a donation, noting that it has always been a goal that, with or without a donation, everybody that wants to, can take advantage of the holiday display. And if you don’t have food, cash donations are accepted to reinvest into the event. Last year, enough cash donations also enabled the Rotary Clubs to purchase a second truck for the Food Bank.
“Making Spirits Bright” runs nightly through New Year’s Eve from 5 until 9 PM except on Christmas Eve.
