The Bethel Butikk Food Pantry and Thrift Shop in Westby is providing a service to the area that far exceeds the expectations of Bethel's Westby Advisory Board that looked for a community based program to utilize the former Bethel Elderhjem Group Home.  For the past two and a half years, the building has been home to the completely volunteer operated thrift shop and food pantry.

In 2006, 663 families (2155 people) were provided with an estimated $139,450 worth of groceries which were donated or purchased at discount prices through the food pantry. For Operation Christmas, 372 families (1249 people) were served with food, toys and clothing. During Christmas, over $120,000 worth of food and merchandise was distributed.

A committee of 10 people from area churches oversees the general operation of the Butikk. A separate committee of three people meets every Monday morning at 8:30 to review all requests and referrals for assistance.

Requests filled last year included $24,713 for housing assistance, $18,404 to purchase food, $4,808 in heating assistance, $6,010 for medical and other assistance, $8,052 for utilities and $7,558 in transportation assistance.

10% of proceeds of the thrift shop, after utilities and maintenance costs are paid, are put in a capital fund for repairs and improvements on the building. All remaining funds go into the Bethel Butikk Foundation to buy food and help families when no other help is available. The Bethel Butikk also applies for various grants during the year and receives donations from many individuals and organizations. There are no administration fees taken out and all the workers are volunteers.  About 100 volunteers work with the project, serving Vernon, Southern Monroe and

Northern Crawford counties.  

Bethel Butikk, just off Hwy 27 north of Westby at 341 Black River Avenue, is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and until 6 p.m. on Tuesdays.  It is also open the first Saturday of the month from 9 a.m. to noon.  Volunteers are available to receive good usable clothing, household furnishings and toys. 

For information about Bethel Butikk, contact Pastor Gary L. Daines at Our Savior's Lutheran Church 608-634-3415 or to volunteer, contact coordinator Phylis Munsch at 608-452-3769.