By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

The Geneseo-Atkinson Food Pantry is much more than a place to distribute food and clothing. The Pantry also offers ongoing classes and events for area residents.

The Matthew 25 Center, named after Biblical scripture, Matthew 25 is the area at the Pantry where instructional classes are held.

The Food Pantry can also receive funds through Birdies for Charity and those funds are used to continue providing resources for those in need.

-Dietitians Class – Hammond Henry Hospital dietitians to provide a free monthly class at the Geneseo-Atkinson Food Pantry. The class is open to the public with the next class at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, April 9. For more information, call 309-944-3165.

-Lunch and Learn – Freedom House will provide a free “Lunch and Learn” about domestic violence survivor resources at the Food Pantry. Information will be available about state and federal programs available to domestic violence survivors. The event is from 12 noon to 1 p.m. on Friday, May 10, at the Food Pantry. It is open to the public and to register email mdevoss@freedomhouseillinois.com.

-Birdies for Charity – Donations to the Geneseo-Atkinson Food Pantry are maximized through Birdies for Charity. The Food Pantry will receive 100 percent of the donation and will be guaranteed an additional bonus promise of at least 5 %. A donation to the Bonus Fund will help Birdies for Charity provide the bonus promise to all participating charities. By including the Bonus Fund in your donation means your contribution has twice the impact. Guess the correct number of birdies that will be made at the John Deere Classic (in July) and win a two-year lease on a Lexus. Checks must be made out to Quad Cities Golf Classic Charitable Foundation /Birdies for Charity. Pledge forms can be requested at the Food Pantry, 309-944-3165, and donations also may be made at https://birdiesforcharity.com/donate?charity=2406.