To the Editor-

Operation Bootstrap is the primary food bank for Portage County, but it does much more than just provide food. 

By referral only, Bootstrap provides a month’s rent or mortgage, prescriptions, gas for a working person’s vehicle, a layette and diapers for a newborn, countless coats, hats, and mittens and more.  The needs are constant throughout the year, yet Bootstrap has only one fund raising drive per year.

Recently I’ve received a number of calls from charities looking for donations.  I always ask what percentage of donations received goes to the charity.  The answer has consistently been from 5%-15% of donations actually go to the charity, the rest goes for fund raising and salaries. In contrast, Operation Bootstrap Bootstrap has no paid staff and doesn’t pay for fund raising.

It survives solely on donations from people like you.  It receives no taxpayer money through the government. Expenses are utilities and repairs and general office expenses. The vast majority of donations goes directly to help needy people in Portage County.

The closure of Copp’s/Roundy’s warehouse has caused an additional financial burden for Bootstrap.  Their generosity will be greatly missed.

Would you consider a tax deductible donation of any size to:
Operation Bootstrap
636 Janick Circle
Stevens Point, WI 54481

Thank you
Irene Klapoetke