Janet Keefe and family nominated Mary Searles as this month's Star:

"Mary Searles is a cornerstone resident of Lansing who moved here in 1952 when she married her late husband William. After farming for three decades and raising three children, Mary went back to college, earning an associates degree at TC3. She then began a full time career as a home health aide for Family and Children's Services, which she still does part-time at 73 years old.

"Mary's spends the rest of her time serving some of our community's most needy families as volunteer Director of the Lansing Food Pantry, which is why I nominated Mary to be recognized as a LANSING STAR. Mary has been a volunteer for the Pantry since 1989 and Director since 1994.

"The Pantry is part of a network of food pantries called the Tompkins County Food Coalition. Families and individuals are provided five day's worth of food each month at the program's host facility, Lansing United Methodist Church. The Pantry has grown from serving approximately 100 people each month in 1994 to almost 200 per month last year. Services are provided through the efforts of 100 volunteers and the generosity of area residents, churches, schools, and businesses. Mary also applies for grants each year from the Food Bank of the Southern Tier, The Feinstein Foundation, and the federal government. A majority of volunteers come from the Methodist Church, All Saints Catholic Church, and Grace Baptist Church.

"Mary feels that the greatest needs of the program are space and continuity of funding so that five day's worth of food can be provided every month. When asked why she spends so much time on the pantry, Mary replied that she just likes working with and helping people. She feels that she easily builds relationships with people which, help her understand their needs to offer assistance and referrals. A nice touch that Mary adds to our pantry is providing printed information from Cornell Cooperative Extension about food preparation ideas and proper food handling. Mary tries to promote a balanced diet with creative recipes which are attractive for families and the elderly.

"Truly a STAR.... next time you see Mary please say "THANK YOU" for her ministry, and ask her what you can do to help."