Tom Thornton (l) and John Bodensteiner meet with Rice Depot President and CEO Laura Rhea

Following a suggestion by Mike Frantz and as a result of the June 2009 fraternal year planning session of officers and directors, a decision was made to pursue how the knights could get involved with the Arkansas Rice Depot's Food for Senior program, seniors being one of its several targeted audiences.   The Depot's motto is "Hunger No More."  More information is available at www.ricedepot.org.

John Bodensteiner contacted Terri Rowlan, the program director, and set up a meeting with her and President & CEO Laura Rhea.  Tom Ament, Ed Keearns, Milt Spaniel, and John attended the meeting and also toured the facility at 65th and Scott Hamilton in Little Rock.  

Following the very informative session, a decision was made for the knights to get involved with the Food for Seniors program, if qualified clients could be identified.. Given current HIPPA rules, this can be a difficult task. 

Marvin Young worked with John to identify agencies in the area that could help locate prospects.  In September John contacted the Area Agency on Aging, the Senior Companion Program, the Garland County Health Program, and the Community Service Office.  Representatives from each of these agencies were contacted by phone and email followed by intake forms being sent.  In mid- October eight intake forms were received from the Area Agency on Aging and the Senior Companion Program.

The forms were immediately sent to the Rice Depot, but it was not until April 8, 2010 that a response was finally received - six of the eight applicants were approved.  The fourth Saturday of the month is the pick-up date at Rice Depot and delivery to clients.  The knights made their first delivery to the appreciative recipients on May 22 , and this charitable activity continues. 

John asked for volunteers from the knights, and several of them and/or spouses responded, including:  Tom and Cathy Ament; Carolyn Bodensteiner; Mike and Chris Frantz; Wayne and Dee Kapple; Ed and Claudia Keearns, Dave and Gail Salmen; Steve and Mary Schramer; Milt Spaniel; Tom Thornton; and, Marvin and Lucy Young.  

More information about this project can be obtained from Coordinator John Bodensteiner.