Free groceries offered  March 27 at DAR for residents in need

COVID-19 has cast a pandemic misery on many communities around the world. Poplar Bluff, Butler County and Southeast Missouri haven’t been exempt.
But how communities and states have handled the situation varies widely. Greater Poplar Bluff Area Chamber of Commerce President Steve Halter hit the nail on the head in a story in the Daily American Republic a week ago today.
He said he’s “extremely proud of how the city of Poplar Bluff and Butler County have handled this situation. I think it was smart to be cautious the first few weeks in April of last year, when there were so many unknowns. At first I believe there was a struggle locally between the Butler County Health Department and many of our local businesses, but kudos to Emily Goodin and her staff and board for working with us and figuring out a way we could keep our businesses open, while keeping people safe.”
He went on to say, “Poplar Bluff has weathered the COVID storm much better than most communities because our businesses, health department and city/county government worked through it together, as well as Gov. (Mike) Parson leaving most decisions to our local governments.”
That’s not to say there haven’t been disagreements on how to handle the use of masks in businesses and public areas or how many people to allow in restaurants. But they’ve been healthy debates for the most part.
In the end, our area has worked its way through this pandemic maze better than most. Unfortunately, we’re not through the maze just yet. Thanks to vaccines that are now being offered, normal is much closer than it was just a short time ago.
Normal, though, might be a ways away for some of the most vulnerable in our communities. While the recent round of stimulus money will help many in our area, there could still be a food shortage for some. Paying rent, utility bills and car payments may be at the top of the list for many, leaving not much left to purchase food for their families.
I’m so proud to announce that DAR employees are stepping up to help those in need. On Saturday, March 27, the DAR will give away bags of groceries — free — to anyone who asks. All you have to do is register by Thursday, March 25 at noon.
The bags of groceries will be distributed from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 27 at the DAR’s office at 208 Poplar St. in downtown Poplar Bluff.
To receive your free bag of groceries, all the newspaper asks is for you to call its office at 573-785-1414 and provide your name and telephone number. We will also take a few extra names in case there are bags of groceries remaining after 12:30 p.m. that day.
The newspaper has been a part of the community since 1869 and our employees believe it’s important to step up and help when there’s a need.
Thank you for reading the DAR.
Chris is publisher of the Daily American Republic and can be reached by email at cpruett.dar@gmail.com .