Mr. Brew’s raises $8,000 for Operation Bootstrap
By Emmy Pinzon
A Plover business this week offered up a big chunk of cash to help support a local nonprofit.
More than 1,000 families in Portage Co. have sought help from Operation Bootstrap. Those numbers reflect only Christmas assistance, and it’s reportedly a record number of requests for the organization that formed locally over 50 years ago.
Mr. Brew’s Taphouse ran its second annual fundraiser for the organization from September to mid-December. General manager Chad Anacker, who also works as a paramedic for the Plover Fire Department, said his staff took donations for the cause from the restaurant’s solid customer base.
“Our staff has been great about asking every table if they’re willing to donate, because every dollar helps,” Anacker said. “The whole community is a huge support for everyone, and they’re very generous.”
Mr. Brew’s serves hundreds of customers a week—which Anacker said helped the team surpass their $3,000 goal. The check was presented to Roseann DeBot, director of the Stevens Point location of Operation Bootstrap, on Dec. 18.
Operation Bootstrap is a non-profit, volunteer-run social services organization founded in 1969. DeBot, who’s been involved in the organization that entire time, said the idea of organizing came from a nun at St. Stephen Catholic Church.
DeBot recalled one of the organization’s first big spend: helping a local man obtain a hearing aid. The cost ran about $300, which was a big piece of the group’s initial $1,000 funding.
“But we decided to do it. And the good part was he was able to go back to work full-time after,” DeBot said.
Operation Bootstrap helps local families get food, shelter, heat, baby supplies, fuel, and more, on a referral basis. Food and clothing items are handed out at the organization’s distribution center at 5000 Heffron St.
“We’re seeing more people than we ever have before–we used to figure that 28 people in a day was a busy day, but this year, we’re climbing up to 40 [people daily].”
DeBot said winter coats are handed out without referrals, and anyone can walk into the distribution center without an appointment to choose one.
Operation Bootstrap is always seeking donations and volunteers, DeBot said. Interested persons can call the center at 715-344-1544, or stop by between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, to inquire.
Mr. Brew’s Taphouse is located at 2012 County Rd. HH in Plover.