At the July 15 Finance meeting, Alderman John Glazier supported a motion to sponsor the community food bank, after a written request was received from Community Care chair Janet Zantingh.

Zantingh's letter for financial support aimed to alleviate some of the rent money currently paid to operate the Community Cabin Store, a second-hand clothing store operated by the charity organization.

Currently, Community Care pays $735 each month to rent the store, although $300 is donated back to the food bank by the current owner.

The store nets about $6,000 each year for Community Care.

"Let's be honest," said Glazier. "They're in need. It comes down to charity begins at home. And any way we can help them, I think we should."

As Smithville expands and more families in West Lincoln are in need of Community Care's services, it's becoming more difficult for the community group to raise the necessary funds, added Ald. Doug Joyner, who seconded the motion.

Goods dropped off at the Cabin are sold to raise funds for the depot, located at Stanpac building in Industrial Park.

Mayor Katie Trombetta voted against the motion, saying Community Care has received substantial amounts of money in the past via the Mayor's Golf Tournament, including $3,300 three years ago.

She reminded aldermen that she gave her word to the organization that she would contribute annually via the tournament and she aims to follow through.

Ald. Sue-Ellen Merritt also opposed the motion, saying, "We only have a certain pot of money, and I think we need to share this the best we can. This cannot be expected each year."

Just under $3,400 is left in the Corporate Sponsorship Fund, said treasurer Stephanie Nagel.

The move was supported by Ald. Norm Johnson, Ald. Mike Rehner, Ald. Joyner and Ald. Glazier.

The decision was ratified by council with a unanimous vote July 22.