What’s happening at Stepping Stones

By Barbara W. Lyon

Since Wisconsin’s stay-at-home order was put in place in March, Stepping Stones of Dunn County has made a series of changes to make sure that anyone in need of food can find it here. To get the job done, however, has meant that a number of changes had to be enacted to ensure staff, volunteers and clients can stay healthy and safe.

The food pantry is now open four days a week for curbside pick up of prepacked boxes and bags of groceries as follows: Monday and Friday—11 a.m.-2 p.m.; Wednesday—3 p.m.-6 p.m.; and Saturday—10 a.m.-noon.

Although Stepping Stones’ warehouse has plenty of food, the number of pick up days have been reduced so volunteers have enough time to pack as well as to decrease the number of volunteers needed at a given time to maintain appropriate social distancing. (For more detailed food pantry information, click on our website link at www.steppingstonesdc.org)

Speaking of volunteers, many of Stepping Stones’ older volunteers and those with existing health conditions have had to step down for the time being. Consequently, new volunteers are needed. Gloves and masks are provided to keep everybody safe.

Two- to three-hour shifts are available six days a week: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., on Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Contact Jill at 715-235-2920, ext. 3 or communityconnect@steppingstonesdc.org with questions or to get scheduled.

Those who need other types of assistance like shelter or emergency financial assistance – or  know someone who does – can call Stepping Stones or email info@steppingstonesdc.org.

Until the myriad issues surrounding COVID-19 are resolved, the folks at Stepping Stones thank the community for its current and future generosity while urging everyone to “Stay safe! Be well!”

Barbara Lyon is the development and communications specialist at Stepping Stones of Dunn County. She can be reached at 715-235-2920, ext. 5