The benefit of non-profit status for Federal Income tax purposes is the deductibility from adjusted gross income as an itemized deduction for individuals. Also, the individual contributor can be assured that his/her contributions must be used to fulfill the stated objectives of the 501(c)(3) corporation and that if the 501(c)(3) is ever dissolved the money cannot be given to any officer or employee of the charitable organization. In the case of the Affton Christian Food Pantry, the assets (money) would revert to the member churches.

For the 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation (ACFP), the benefit is that the corporation is not subject to Federal or State income taxes on the contributions received. This allows the corporation to utilize the full amount of money it raises for the purpose or objectives of the corporation (in the case of the ACFP, providing food and assistance to the needy of our community). Maintaining this status also allows the ACFP to benefit the community by being eligible to receive its portion of the food donated to the needy through annual food drives, i.e., Scouting for Food Drive by the St. Louis Area Council of Boy Scouts, in addition to other food drives at schools and organizations in the Affton area. As an official 501(c)(3) Corporation, the ACFP is also eligible to apply for various cash grants from other charitable foundations and organizations.

We are saddened by the death of our President-Elect, Board Member, and loyal volunteer, Nick Moramarco. Nick passed away on March 10, 2009. He was a strong supporter of the food pantry from its inception. Nick represented St. Dominic Savio Church on the committee, which worked diligently to expand the pantry to an ecumenical level. Thanks to his dedicated work, the Affton Christian Food Pantry has grown to 10 member churches and over 400 individual members at the time of this article. Nick worked at the pantry on Tuesday afternoon, meeting with clients and helping them in any way possible. Every Saturday morning, he brought frozen food to the pantry for distribution. Nick devoted his life to Christian service through the St. vincent de paul Society, the ACFP, his work at Midtown Catholic Charities, and many, many ministries at his own parish. Shortly after Nick’s death, the ACFP received official word that our application for 501(c)(3) tax exempt status was approved. We can’t help but feel that Nick’s work was instrumental in this achievement. We offer prayers of comfort for Nick’s family, especially his wife Helen, and prayers of thanksgiving for a life lived in such diligent and faithful service to the Lord.