Jan. 27—GENEVA — Motorcycle clubs from all over northeast Ohio reached out to help the hungry in the Geneva area, Geneva Food Pantry Director Nancy Deligianis said.
Eleven motorcycle groups gathered for a party in December, with participants donating 2,450 pounds of food for hungry people in the area. The Dirty Bones Motorcycle Club hosted the party, and the top three clubs’ donations came from the Iron Wings, with 953 pounds, Brotherhood of God’s Disciples collecting 806 pounds and Forty-Seven Cleveland providing 129 pounds.
The food was delivered to the pantry Jan. 19 in a trailer, which club members unloaded for them.
The food pantry was happy for the donation.
“January is one of the hardest times to fill the pantry shelves,” Deligianis said. “There isn’t any one reason for this, but the large donation from Dirty Bones Motorcycle Club really helps.”
She said the needs of the community have grown in the last year, as well.
“In 2024, our figures indicate we served an average of 162 familis each month [up 21 families from 2023], for an average of 449 people each month [up by 74 people],” Deligianis said.
“The number of families seeking help show an upward trajectory as the year progressed,” Deligianis said.
She said the rising cost of groceries and other essentials, including utility costs led to the greater need for help.
Deligianis said the pantry has about 25 volunteers who work there regularly.
“They range in age from 12 to 92,” she said. “Our greatest need is a few more drivers to make home deliveries once a month, and people who can lift over 40 pounds to help on our truck team,” she said.
The pantry is located on West Main Street, and is open by appointment on Wednesdays and Fridays noon-3 p.m., and the last Monday of the month from 5-6 p.m., with no appointment needed.
Deligianis said people may volunteer by calling the pantry at 440-466-5500.
“The Geneva Food Pantry is supported by the community,” she said. “In the three years I have been at the pantry, it is amazing to me the support and generosity shown to the pantry from all sectors of the community.”
She said the pantry partners with the Country Neighbor Food Program, based in Orwell, and the Greater Cleveland Food Bank.