New director takes over food pantry

Crook County Food Pantry is pleased to announce that a new director has now taken the reins. Jill Keller will from now on be available to those who wish to visit the pantry and those who would like to donate towards its stock of food and necessities.

The pantry was left without a director when Katy Daves sadly passed away. Since that time, Hugh Palmer, chairman of the Crook County Council of County Services, has been filling in to keep the service running.

Keller is a Crook County native, hailing originally from Hulett. She was aware of the director’s role from watching Daves at work, she says.

“I was always kind of interested in the things that she did and it was nice being able to help the community out and see exactly how everything works and where people need help the most,” she says.

Palmer says he anticipates no changes to the pantry’s functions now Keller has joined the team.

“It will be business as usual, which we’ve been carrying on under my direction,” he says.

Keller is settling in well so far, Palmer says, and he believes the pantry will be in good hands.

“She’s enthusiastic and she’s very willing to learn,” Palmer says. It’s a position that requires jumping in with both feet, he explains, but Keller has been asking questions, figuring out the ropes and climbing the learning curve fast.

“It is a learning curve, that’s for sure,” Keller agrees with a laugh. “It’s one of those where you can say and explain how everything’s done but you don’t really get it till you’re thrown to the wolves.”

Palmer says the support of the community has been invaluable over the difficult period of both the pandemic and the loss of Daves.

“I’d like to thank the people of Crook County for their support during this time of Katy’s loss and the continued support we’re getting from people all over the county,” he adds.

The food pantry will continue to be open in Sundance on the first and third Fridays of the month, in Moorcroft on the second and fourth Tuesdays and in Hulett on the second and fourth Wednesdays.

For information or to make a donation to the food pantry, call Keller at 605-641-1287.