Posted at: 09/30/2012 7:45 PM

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Artwork to Help Raise Money for Food Shelf

(ABC 6 NEWS) - A decision to cut $500,000 for Iowa food banks earlier this year, has left many food banks desperate for money. But one local artist is using his talents to help the Mitchell County Food Bank by donating some of his very valuable pieces.

As the Des Moines Register once wrote, "You wood never guess what these birds are made of". But wood, is exactly what Tom Pitzen’s art is made of.

"Every time you see a wood pile, you just automatically say how could I use how I can I use some of that scrap wood or whatever, every time you see a tree branch, well that'd make a good perch for your carving,” said Pitzen.

He’s been carving since the third grade from everything to guns to very intricate and detailed birds.

"Why does somebody go golfing? You know or fishing? Everybody can't be fishing some of us gotta be carvin’ I suppose,” Pitzen added.

His work is well-known in the carving world, winning several first place awards. And while he won’t place a number value on his work-it’s worth a lot. Which is why he’s donating two of his pieces to the Mitchell County Food Bank.

"There's still laying off and they still got people might get called back in a couple months. Maybe hopefully, but right now, their kids are hungry, probably and the food bank is the first think you think of and that isn’t supplied by some man out of the sky,” said Pitzen.

To generate money, the pieces are available for a five dollar raffle until the end of the year.

"It's a fabulous gift, when you stop and think about the value, which he won't put a price on, he won't tell you how much it's worth, but we're certainly appreciative of it,” said Leo Chisholm, Director of the Mitchell County Food Bank.

Last year, the Mitchell County Food Bank served more than 2,000 families, serving 69,000 meals. With large cuts to Iowa food banks, this donation will help feed many hungry mouths.

"Oh man, this is unreal. In fact, I lose sleep thinking about what it's gonna do for the people what it's gonna do for our community and the people involved,” said Chisholm.

Who knew a piece of wood could make such a difference?

If you are interested in buying a raffle ticket, they are available in several banks in Osage. A winner will be picked on December 30th.