difference makers Background

Difference Makers Inc., a local 501 (c) 3 nonprofit charity, has started a food pantry in Campbell as another of its projects to fulfill its mission — “a hand in deed for a hand in need.”

Founders: The Rev. Timothy O’Neill, pastor of St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church in Hubbard; Pat Sebastiano, an attorney; Dennis Pascarella, a certified public accountant; and Harry Wollet, a stockbroker. “We met for breakfast and started to get things organized,” said Father O’Neill. Difference Makers was founded in 1993. Father O’Neil said Difference Makers Inc. is a registered charitable organization, though the generic term is sometimes used to describe other volunteer efforts.

Mission statement: “We are a group of women and men who come together to try to make a difference in other people’s lives, especially the less fortunate and most especially less-fortunate children. We want to make a difference culturally, socially, educationally, physically and in any way possible.” — Father O’Neill.

Projects: Difference Makers Inc. has worked more “behind the scenes” to help people in need. The group provides funds for a picnic for all of the Children of Chernobyl, who visit summers, and sponsors the four Chernobyl children; hosts a summer picnic for the Boys Club; takes underprivleged children to the circus annually; and supplies 150 $100 gift cards to needy children for Christmas.

Food pantry: The food pantry is Difference Makers’ most ambitious project to date. The pantry is open from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Wednesdays and is located at St. Lucy/St. Rose parish center, 404 Tenney Ave., Campbell. Victor H. Buck is coordinator. “We give out whatever we get in,” he said. Monsignor John Ashton, pastor of St. Lucy, and the Rev. Gerald DeLucia, pastor of St. Rose, welcomed the food pantry as another way the churches could serve the community.

Funding: The group is privately funded primarily through donations. The organization has one big fundraiser, a barbecue usually held in May, and solicits donations through a letter campaign. The food pantry receives no government assistance.

Donations: To donate time or resources, call (330) 550-7736 or send e-mail to vicDMfoodpan@aol.com. Tax-deductible contributions may be sent to Difference Makers Inc. food pantry, 225 N. Main St., Hubbard, Ohio 44425.