News

M.O.R.E News

Published on April 21, 2011

By Bob Botts, Executive Director, M.O.R.E

In this first publication of The Marengo-Union Times, I would like to introduce myself and Marengo area OutReach Enterprises, Inc. I am a retired Marengo Community High School teacher of 33 years and am now a grandfather to nine grandchildren. I have been working with MORE for 11 years and have served as the executive director for four years.

The MORE Mission is to strive to reach all the individuals and families in the greater Marengo/Union areawho are in immediate need of basic life necessities. Our goal is to feed, clothe, find shelter, and/or offer other necessary assistance toward becoming confident, productive, and independent neighbors in our community. We are an independent, private organization serving the needy within the Marengo High School boundaries; and we depend totally on donations from the community and grants. We have approximately 150 volunteers serving in various capacities throughout the year. We are divided into three basic areas: the food pantry, emergency financial assistance, and clothing/household items. We are governed by a 15-member board of directors, including myself and three directors. We take pride in what we do; and not one person is paid. Our M.O.R.E. Center was built in 2007; and provides us with the necessary space and amenities needed. This building was provided to us mainly through donations from the community in the form of cash, materials, and labor; and we are near to paying it off.

In the next issues, I will continue to keep you informed about MORE and the impact we are having on our community.

M.O.R.E is located at 829 Greenlee Street in Marengo and is open Wednesdays from 9a.m. to Noon and Thursdays from 4p.m. to 6p.m. For more information, call 815-568-7950, or visit www.marengomorecenter.org.