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Ettema named pantry directorCarol Ettema of Frankfort has been named director of pantry services at Together We Cope in Tinley Park. The appointment was announced recently by Kathryn Straniero, executive director of the agency. She said Ettema's longtime role as a manager with Together We Cope has grown significantly in recent years as demand for services spiked with the start of the recession in 2008. Together We Cope is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit agency that assists families in temporary crisis from 25 south suburban communities. The agency provides food, clothing and financial assistance with rent, mortgage and utility bills. Ettema, a licensed food handler, is the agency's liaison with the Chicago Food Depository, Hunger Network and other agencies, organizations and businesses that provide food to Together We Cope's pantry. She also manages a large group of volunteers who operate the food pantry five days a week. Ettema began working at Together We Cope in 1997 after retiring from a 24-year career with Nabisco. She was an office manager and volunteer coordinator with Together We Cope before becoming manager of the food pantry several years ago. Ettema said she sees the face of need every day in her work at the food pantry, where more than 1,000 families per month get their groceries. Dozens of homeless persons also seek assistance from the pantry each month. It has touched her deeply, leading her to believe that "no one in this country ever should go hungry," she said. Straniero said Ettema's role with Together We Cope has expanded significantly over the years, especially recently as the agency has experienced a 25 percent increase in requests for assistance. Last year ,Together We Cope distributed more than $1 million in food. Add this page to your favorite Social Bookmarking websites           |
