MONTICELLO -- Among the local groups presently collecting food for the needy is the Commission on Human Rights of the Village of Monticello. Freedom from hunger said a "human right" in Monticello
"Racism contributes to poverty and poverty causes hunger," said food collection organizer HRC commissioner Carmen Hernandez Rue, explaining why the HRC has gotten involved with collecting food for the needy.
Monticello's HRC's mandate, under its enabling local law, is to educate the public on racial, religious, ethnic and other forms of institutional discrimination. Sponsorship of the food boxes was approved by vote of the commission.
Once seasonally decorated boxes were placed in village hall and the neighborhood facility, village manager Dave Berner sent a memo to village employees asking their support of the project. Donations were evidently generous, since the box at village hall immediately filled up and was emptied the day before the above photo was taken by United Way director Linda Cellini.
Anyone may drop off non-perishable food donations until the new year, officials said. Items collected will be distributed through United Way.
To request food, call Cellini at 794-1771.
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