Hours 2:30-4:30 – Wednesday March 13 and 27
The Food Pantry is asking for your help! Each month, we will be suggesting two items that are most needed for our families seeking assistance. March items are CEREAL and BODY WASH. If you are able to provide any of these items, we would be very grateful. ANY non-perishable food, personal care item, or monetary gift that is donated is greatly appreciated and will help us to continue this great mission of First Church. Place items in the Mission Corner located in the Narthex.
As many of you know, our food pantry has been in existence for many years. In 2006, the food pantry as we know it today began with regular hours on specific days. It has relied on funding from the congregation as well as from donations from anonymous giving. The food pantry serves the West Allis area and operates out of our Fellowship Hall. It is a mission of our church and not connected with any other outside organization. Our families enter using the elevator entrance. About 14 years ago, an anonymous giver donated a large sum of money which has sustained us for many years. We are now concerned that we may not be able to continue this mission after the next year unless we get some much-needed funds.
We have an average of about 42 families each food pantry. The need of so many struggling families and single people needing that extra assistance to get them through the month is concerning. Our families are allowed to come on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays each month. They receive 2 bags of pre-packaged food, and also select 2 food items of their choosing, 2 personal care items, hot dogs, cheese, and bread. They are so appreciative of the many items of food and personal care products that they can select from. Our food pantry team not only helps these people with food and personal care items, but they listen to their stories and concerns and give encouragement, and also include them in their prayers. After the food pantry, we feel blessed by those we have met and feel as though they enrich our lives as well. We have been so grateful for the donations of personal care products that the Ilseman’s daughter, Joan Lee, graciously gives to the food pantry through couponing. Karen Bolton has also been helping us by picking up bread which is donated to food pantries in need.
A letter will be going home with our families explaining that there may be changes coming in the weeks ahead. With the influx of the number of families using our food pantry, the cost for the year to supply food runs about $12,000.00. If you can help our food pantry in any way, either by donating money or food items, we can continue helping our local West Allis families for many years to come. All non-perishable food items are accepted. Please note the expiration date on food items. If you wish to support us through your monetary giving, please mark your check or envelope with Food Pantry. You can also call the church office to find out how you can give online. Thank you to all who have been helping support us. We are truly blessed by such a loving church community. If you have any questions about our food pantry, please contact Annette Intravaia, coordinator, or contact the church office.