PEP News
Distribution volunteers (if trained) are invited to sign up, if you are a new volunteer fill out the form to register for the next training session. All forms can be found by PEP display in John Wesley room.
An informational power point presentation on sunday, june 6 at 10:15 am for anyone who would like to learn about PEP and how our first year of distribution has been. Presentation will be done following the 9 am worship service.
Our church was featured on the UM Conference website’s Hallelujah Moments. First UMC Rhinelander Celebrates Pantry Anniversary: On April 25th, First UMC Rhinelander celebrated the one-year anniversary of PEP - the Personal Essentials Pantry. In its first year, the pantry has had about 900 visits from low-income families, supplying them with items needed to keep homes and bodies clean and healthy. Volunteers from the church and community have distributed thousands of donated bars of soap, rolls of toilet paper, razors, diapers, toothbrushes, shampoo, household cleaners and other essentials. Any church interested in starting a similar project can email Pastor Rebecca Niese at rebeccaniese@wisconsinumc.org for more information.
About PEP
The Personal Essentials Pantry (PEP) began in April of 2009 as a community outreach project to help local families obtain personal hygiene and home cleaning products that cannot be obtained through local food pantries, the Food Share program or the WIC (Women, Infant and Children) program.
PEP operates out of the First United Methodist Church located at 724 Arbutus Street, Rhinelander. It is open for product distribution on the last Saturday of each month, from 9:00 until noon.
Products available each month are:
- laundry soap
- dish soap
- bar soap
- shampoo
- toothpaste and toothbrushes
- denture supplies
- razors and shaving crème
- band aids
- home cleaners
- deodorant
- toilet paper
- feminine products
- combs
- adult diapers
- children's diapers and baby wipes
Community support for this project has been very gratifying. Community members have given financial assistance, donated products, made room in their establishments for collection bins and donation jugs and assisted the PEP in the purchasing of items for distribution. We are extremely grateful for this support. Donations of money or products may be dropped off at the church office. 100% of all cash donations are used to purchase items for the PEP.
Products are free for those eligible and in need. Eligibility includes a valid Food Share card, an ID card from an Area Food Pantry or a WIC card. Personal referrals can also be obtained from all local clergy. PEP visits are currently limited to one visit per household per month, up to a total of six visits in a calendar year.
To help in this community project in any way, please contact: Barb Oestreicher at 715-282-5956, Shirley Bettinger at 715-362-2988 or Gina DeMeyer at the Church office at 715-362-2091.
