July 27, 2012
With all of the crazy things going on in our world the past couple of weeks I want to share an awesome story with you. So go get an iced tea or diet coke, take a seat and enjoy reading this. A couple of weeks ago I stopped by the pantry on a Tuesday morning on my way to work. I had a car full of groceries that I needed to drop off. It was extremely hot (I know that is hard to believe) and I was really dreading unloading my car. When I pulled up, there sat 4 very hot and sweaty Jr. High boys waiting to volunteer in the pantry. They eagerly asked me what I needed done. One grabbed a cart and started unloading my car, another hooked up the hose and watered the plants we have outside the door. They had all ridden their bikes from their houses. What I have since found out is that this group of boys pack their lunch and after volunteering on Tuesdays go to the church and have a Bible study while they eat. The most amazing part is to hear that this was their idea. How proud our heavenly father must be of them!
We served 162 families including 17 new families last evening. We had a wonderful week of volunteers. 33 helped on Tuesday and 69 on Thursday. Everyone of them were busy. Many people brought in fresh produce. We had peaches, cherries, tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini and peppers. The bright colors were beautiful and so much appreciated! Anytime you are available, feel free to join us on Tuesday mornings or Thursdays.
This week our main needs include cake and brownie mixes, sugar, juices, boxed dinners and snacks. As I was taking a guest around last night she requested pull back tabs because she did not have a can opener. That is something I would not have thought about.
I want to thank everyone that brought in fans. We had a donation of a new air conditioner. It was given to an elderly woman that does not have central air. She put it in her kitchen window and was so thankful and grateful. When the pantry opened yesterday we had 2 fans to raffle off. A few minutes later someone pulled up with 10 more fans! PTL! May you be blessed with your giving heart! Many people got a better nights sleep thanks to your donations.
Many, many thanks goes to Deb Diaz. Deb spends countless hours keeping things running at the pantry. We dont "just happen" to have enough food each week for these families. Many hours are spent behind the scene as well doing things no one knows about. She picks up volunteers, takes them home, to the store, to the Dr., shops for the pantry, and generally keeps things running. She is amazing and we are so blessed to have her as is our community. We love you Deb and appreciate you so much.
Blessings,
Kim
July 23, 2012
Another hot and humid Thursday saw 142 families including 18 new families come to the pantry for help to feed their family. We had 35 volunteers on Tuesday and were fortunate enough to have 55 on Thursday. We are so grateful to Marsh and Kroger for the sweets and breads that they donate each and every week. As we all know we need more than just bread and sweets. Please put a few things in a bag and drop them off at the church or bring them to the pantry on Tuesday mornings between 9-12 or Thursday from noon to 6. Our needs include boxed dinners, canned meats, sugar, snacks (especially since kids are out of school) and any type of noodle.
Many kids depend on school breakfast and lunch and it makes it hard when they are out for the summer. Dawn Campbell, one of our faithful volunteers works along with Sue Croell, another wonderful lady and they make sure that at least on Thursday afternoon no one goes hungry. They make between 200-250 grilled cheese sandwiches out of cheese from Midwest Food bank and bread from Marsh. Kids get their bellies full as well as their parents. Dawn and her husband Howard started coming to WRCC almost 4 years ago. 6 months later they became permenant fixtures in the pantry. If you feel like you just come to worship and leave each Sunday never forming relationships with folks, come join us on Tuesdays or Thursdays. You will be blessed.
We are still collecting fans and window air conditioners if you have one you can donate. We also still need soap makers. I can email you the "recipe". As always we need paper and plastic bags. Thank you for all of your donations and prayers. Remember 1 can, can make a difference!
Kim
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