He could’ve thrown in the towel a long time ago but refused. This is Chad Colba’s life: Wife struck by cancer, himself awaiting medical clearance to return to work and all while trying to feed his son.
And yet talk about being stubborn — in a positive way. Folks can find him not only in line but also regularly assisting Feeding Inc. in Carthage.
“I want to give back, but I don’t have the money to help and I can’t just sit at home and do nothing,” Colba said. “This is a positive place for me to be. I am blessed to help a ministry that feeds so many per month.”
Talk about a success story of the Price Cutter Charity Championship presented by Dr Pepper.
Previously known as River Street Food Pantry, Feeding Inc. is returning for a fourth year to the PGA Web.com Tour event, which for the past 26 years has raised almost $13 million for children’s charities in the Ozarks. The pantry has turned its dollars from the PCCC into real help.
“We were able to purchase food at a reduced rate that supplied food to hungry families in southwest Missouri for nine months because of the Price Cutter Charity Championship,” said Regina Shank, Director of River Street Food Pantry. “We are thankful to be chosen as one of the charities, blessed by this generous group of people.”
About the River Street Food Pantry
Colba is a volunteer now at the Pantry, having received assistance when the non-profit was located in a back parking lot off the Carthage square.
His wife, Anita, eventually was diagnosed with cancer, and the family fell on hard financial times. Fortunately, she is on the road to recovery, but times remain difficult. They also are feeding their son, Jacob, and granddaughter Hailey, as all attend the Wednesday hot meal. Anita is taking online courses.
“The people here,” Colba said, “are genuine, caring and real.”
The pantry is a charitable non-profit organization based in Carthage. It’s devoted to feeding the hungry in southwest Missouri, and that can be a challenge these days. Almost 18 percent of people in Jasper County don’t know where their next meal is coming from – a situation called food insecurity.
Fortunately, the Pantry serves about 400 families a month by appointment. The services reach older adults with limited incomes and families with children that are food insecure.
The Pantry asks that families schedule an appointment, at which time they’ll be able to shop for a grocery cart of food, including government commodities, diapers if needed and feminine hygiene products. At the end of the shopping trip, if they would like prayer, they have an opportunity to receive prayer.
During summer months, the River Street Food Pantry hosts a program called Kids’ Café, which feeds kids a free lunch on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. It’s a way to help when school is out of session. The pantry also hands out backpacks of food to the kids on Fridays as way to help them get through the weekend.
“Our purpose is to feed, equip, empower and restore hope to those who are living in poverty and others who are temporarily in need,” the pantry notes. “We are not here to enable but to empower resources, encouragement and practice help through the provision of food, diapers, teaching and training.”
RISING STARS, RAISING HOPES
- BUSINESS SPONSORSHIPS: Businesses also can support the PCCC through various sponsorships, such as the skyboxes on the 9th and 18th greens (with food badges), on-course signage and events such as a dozen Pro-Ams. Businesses also can donate a gift card with at least a $25 value in the name of your charity of choice to benefit them in the Golf Ball & Charity Auction presented by Copy Products, Inc. and University Plaza.
The Ultimate sponsorship means air-conditioned seating on the 18th green and a chance to win a Corvette Stingray. - WIN A NEW TRUCK: The purchase of a $25 TLC Properties Charity Sweepstakes ticket can win one of 500 daily gift cards as well as grand prizes of $10,000 and a 2016 Ford F-150 XLT. It’s also good for a four-day tournament pass.
Win this truck or $10,000 in the TLC Properties Charity Sweepstakes, with a $25 buy-in. - SEE THE FUTURE OF THE PGA TOUR: The PCCC is from Aug. 5-15, with the pros beginning play on Aug. 11 at Highland Springs Country Club. For tickets or other ways to assist, call the Price Cutter Charity Championship staff at 417-887-3400.
Dawie vander Walt won the 2015 PCCC. (Photo courtesy of StidzMedia) - FEEDING INC.: Mainly, the organization is always in need of donations to supply food for the needy in southwest Missouri. To assist, call 417-359-8800.
