The Blue River Community Harvest food pantry opened its doors in the community of Carthage a little more than two months ago to help curb hunger in the northwest part of Rush County.

Since that time the former location of Premier Auto in the rural community has expanded the services they offer to area residents. Aside from food staples BRCH now offers clothing and some furniture to those in need and has hopes of expanding services even further.

Today the location is hosting the inaugural “Summer Festival” beginning at 10 a.m. and continuing until 4 p.m.

Admission is a single canned food item per person and festivities will include a pie baking contest, food, games, arts and various booths all aimed at raising awareness and much needed funding for the volunteer operation.

According to executive director Robin Goodpaster, the facility is open each Tuesday between the hours of noon and 4 p.m. and the second and fourth Saturday’s of each month.

Food items are free to those in need with proof of residency and is based on the number of individuals in the household.

“The next major event we will have will be a coat drive in October. It is our hope to give back to those people in need and plans are currently in the works for something around the Christmas season to help as well,” Goodpaster said.

Frank Denzler can be contacted at (765) 932-2222 ext. 106 or via e-mail at frank.denzler@rushvillerepublican.com. To add a comment to this story visit our Web site at www.rushvillerepublican.com.