The American Electric Power Foundation, upon the recommendation of Indiana Michigan Power, has awarded a grant to support the purchase of a box truck for the Muncie Mission that will enhance their ability to serve the community.
This is the second truck that the AEP Foundation has helped support. In 2020 the first new truck helped the Mission feed 300-plus meals per day. This second truck will join the Mission’s current fleet of trucks to continue meeting the Mission’s needs.
“During the pandemic we saw a surge in giving, which we were blessed to receive but the giving isn’t at the same level. Because of the economy and prices across the community, there is just as many, if not more in need now,” said Bob Scott, vice president of development with the mission. “We are fortunate when community focused organizations like Indiana Michigan Power and the AEP Foundation rally around us, as we never want to turn anyone in need away.”
The mission can utilize the truck in a variety of ways, according to Scott.
The truck will allow the Mission to better develop the sourcing for the food program. Scott said that they can rescue food from wholesale and distribution companies that can’t use them for actual sale. Recently, a truck driver had two pallets of yogurt that were rejected at a distribution center. Using the truck, the mission was able to gather the donation to share with hungry neighbors.
“We are one of the few organizations that can do that,” Scott said.
The trucks are also a major part of the Mission’s Attic Window thrift stores. The fleet of trucks can pick up donations from the community of furniture, appliances and more. Attic Window operates five different sale locations including two in Muncie, Hartford City, New Castle and Winchester. The stores then sell those items to the public with the money going to fund the feeding and sheltering of those in need.
“All of us at Indiana Michigan Power know that as we approach the holidays, organizations like the Mission are critical for those without a warm place to sleep or access to a meal,” said Rob Keisling, I&M’s external affairs manager. “Our continued partnership with the Mission helps address an ever-present need within the community.”
A Continuous Need
The Mission is currently seeing a surge in men needing shelter from the cold. With the cold snap in November the Mission is already seeing the need for winter services that normally peak in January, putting a major crunch on available resources. The Mission also serves as a warming center for both men and women.
“We always try to meet these people with literally a warm greeting,” Scott said.
Financial contributions as well as donations of cold weather gear are needed. You can give blankets, coats, hats and gloves, and thermal underwear to share with those sheltering from the cold. For more information on how to support the Muncie Mission, visit munciemission.org/donate.
The Mission, especially around the winter months need volunteers. The time and talents of those willing to help make a big difference in the lives of those who have come to rely on the services of the Mission. The Mission needs assistance with daily meal distribution, food pick-up drivers, property maintenance, as well as donation sorting. To volunteer visit munciemission.org/volunteer.
I&M has a long-standing commitment to supporting the Muncie Mission’s goals within the community.
In addition to assistance with the trucks, Indiana Michigan Power has supported grants totaling $75,000 from the American Electric Power Foundation over the last two years to Muncie Mission to support development of the HUB program and continue to support the Mission's food program for the homeless.