journeys-page

Trinity UMC has a new addition to our many outreach ministries, which is a little red box that could make a big difference in someone’s life. If you have not been by the church lately, take time to drive by the west side of the building, pull into the circle drive by the office door, and you will spot the little red box. The little red box is a portable food pantry. Ben Kelley has graciously bestowed it upon Trinity. Ben chose this as his Eagle Scout project, and we thought it was very appropriate to place it close to another Eagle Scout project from many years ago—the benches under the tree. The premise of this project is quite simple: if you need some food, help yourself! If you have a bit of extra food, leave some for another person! Ben even stocked it to start with. Now, Trinity, it is up to us to keep it stocked! Of course, donated goods cannot be anything fresh or frozen. Therefore, you might be asking what would be appropriate to place inside the red food box. Here are some ideas: canned fruits and vegetables, boxes of crackers or cereal, peanut butter, pasta and sauce, a can of tuna or snack items. Anything nonperishable is appropriate. The pantry is water proof and easy to open. During this uneasy time in our world, Trinity is working to help feed those in need in our community. Trinity, along with others, hosts the Loaves and Fishes food distribution on the second Saturday of every month. Trinity also allows individuals to use our building to help assemble 173 backpacks each week. Every week, schoolchildren receive one of these backpacks across the city. By keeping nonperishable food items stocked in this portable food pantry, we have another way of providing food to those within our community. I recently learned that 40% of people who could use help with food now have never asked for food before. This easy access pantry will make it simple to get some help. A dedication of this gift from Ben Kelley is July 19. Our little red box will not be feeding the 5000 that Jesus fed, but it will help to feed one or two people, or even a family. It will make a difference in someone’s life. Feel free to use it. Please take some food if you need help, or leave some food if you have extra. Thank you, Ben! Thank you, Trinity, for supporting this mission of providing food. To read more about the free food box, click here to read about it on the GI Independent.