By Carol Anders Staff Writer
PLYMOUTH — During the annual meeting of the American Red Cross earlier this month, the board of directors announced that they would turn over their food pantry to the Neighborhood Center. The new pantry will now be called “The Community Food Pantry of Marshall County.”
Neighborhood Center Director Jerry Nikitas and Board President Ralph Winters had made a presentation to the Red Cross board on Oct. 16 concerning the possibility of combining the pantries from both organizations into one.

According to Nikitas, the pantry will be accessed from the Plum Street side of the current facility, with the main entrance on Garro Street. The pantry will also have a dedicated telephone number.
 Nikitas said the hours of operation of the pantry have not been set, but the plan is to have it open at least one evening per week to accommodate those who are working during the regular daytime hours.
According to Nikitas, the Northern Indiana Food Bank will be inspecting the portion of the Neighborhood Center facility that will be used for the food distribution on Nov. 13.
Nikitas said Brenda Reese, who has been managing the pantry at the Red Cross site, will manage the newly combined pantry. Nikitas said Reese will use guidelines for distribution and food can only be given to residents of Marshall County.
The Neighborhood Center has operated a food pantry for a number of years. Additionally, they provide approximately 150 families with food baskets at Thanksgiving.
Red Cross Executive Director David Tofson said by moving the pantry operation to the Neighborhood Center, the Red Cross will be able to expand classroom space for training.