As a new president and vice president step into the Newton County Food Basket Brigade, Robert Allen and Lewis Cole are leaving their respective posts.
Both Allen and Cole have been involved with the organization for a long time.
“I remember hearing about the event on the radio (KBTN), when I was going to South Elementary School and that they were collecting food for the basket brigade,” Allen said, who was the school’s principal. “When I arrived at school, I drafted a letter and sent it home to all of the parents to ask for canned food products.”
Cole also heard about the program.
“I decided that this was a good thing,” Cole said. “I wanted to participate and utilize my time since I was retired. I enjoyed it and still do. I am not going to give it up all together. I am still going to help out.”
Both have co-chaired the basket brigade for the past six or seven years.
“(Within the leadership role), we just tie all of the loose ends together,” Allen said. “We just kept things going, working with the committee chairs.”
One of Cole’s main projects as vice president was collecting the canned food students provided from the schools.
Both Cole and Allen have cherished moments during the basket brigade.
“All of them,” Cole said. “I feel that the volunteer people that I worked with was one of the best things. I also see the people come through and seen most of them so appreciative that they were getting this. They need help, I am there to help.”
Allen agreed.
“It is always a challenge to get it going and then the big reward is at the end when you give out the food and see the people that you help,” he said. “And they are very appreciative of it. I think that they are all cherished moments. We get lots of hugs and thank yous.”
Asked why they decided to step aside, Allen said, “we have been at it for a long time and one of the things that I think we need is new blood.”
Cole also said he still felt it was time.
“I felt like I have served my time,” said Cole. “Robert and I have talked about it for some time and we said ‘when one goes, we both go.’ I think that the two fellows that are going to take it over the reins, I think that they will do a fine job. I will help whatever they want me to do.”
Even though Allen and Cole have stepped aside, they still will be helping out the faithful cause.
“We will still volunteer with the brigade,” said Allen. “We will be firm supporters of Terry Cook (president) and Larry Johnson (vice president).”
Neosho, Mo. —
