PALMYRA, Mo. (WGEM) -
Missouri Lawmakers just approved renewed tax credits for a number of charitable donations- including food pantries. The credits expired in 2011, and pantries say that cut back on what people were giving.
"Every time donations cut down, what we give cuts down," said Palmyra Area Food Pantry co-chairman Sharon Wommack.
The shelves at the Palmyra Food Bank are full today, but that wasn't always the case last year after the tax credits for charitable donations expired.
"We were lower last year, we did more begging," said Wommack.
Wommack says the pantry mostly runs on monetary donations. She says if that money isn't there, it impacts their ability to help nearly 300 families each month, including Shawna Brown's.
"I wouldn't be able to make it without the food pantry," said Brown.
Brown also volunteers with the pantry. She sees first hand how donations make a difference.
"We're just very blessed to have a great community. This pantry is a lot community driven," she said.
Wommack says donations are already up this year- just in time for tax season.
"When everybody's doing their taxes they're donating," said Wommack.
She hopes the renewed tax credits will continue to encourage people to donate again.
This bill is effective pending approval by Governor Nixon.
If you'd like to make a donation to the pantry, you can send checks to P.O. Box 327 Palmyra, MO 63461, drop off donations at 319 W. Main Cross or take them to Exchange Bank
