About the Pantry . . .
By Heidi Miller
The Neighbor to Neighbor Food Pantry is a non-profit ministry of Good Samaritan Community Covenant Church. We have been an established food pantry since 2003. Our continuing goal is to help provide emergency food, clothing, hope and encouragement to the hungry and disadvantaged of Calaveras and surrounding counties. From the beginning, our food pantry's philosophy has been based upon a no limitations or exclusions policy. Our patrons are encouraged to utilize our services as often as needed. We are open every Saturday from 9:00 - 11:00 AM for food distribution. Along with our weekly food distribution, we also provide a once a month clothing closet. Our "Clothed in Love" ministry provides new or gently used clothing, coats, shoes and blankets to needy families free of charge. Additionally, our program provides food baskets at Thanksgiving time and gifts to needy children at Christmas.
The continual increase in need we have seen over the past few years has been phenomenal. The current state of the economy, rising gas prices and the increasing unemployment rate has forced many more people to seek emergency food. Many never imagined they would need food assistance, but empty cupboards and empty pockets have led them to our food pantry.
In 2007, we had the pleasure of serving 3,610 people. We increased 40% in 2008, serving 5,115 people. In 2009, we are projecting to potentially increase another 30%, if not more!
We need your help in order to keep serving our local hungry and disadvantaged! We currently operate solely on local food and monetary donations. How do we assure that our food pantry has enough nutritious supplemental groceries to feed those in need throughout the year? Below is a list of ways in which you can help us fight hunger right here in our own community.
Donate Time - Donating your time to help assemble and distribute food bags is a valuable way in which you can help. Donating a few hours a month will provide you with the rewarding opportunity to help people in our community. Few other experiences leave you with the tremendous sense of fulfillment and gratitude that volunteering brings.
Donate $$$ - Your financial gift in any amount will go directly to purchasing food for area families. This helps ensure that all who seek assistance will be provided with an emergency 3-day supply of food. All donations are completely tax deductible.
Donate Food - There are several ways in which you can help keep our pantry well stocked throughout the year. Our "Food of the Month" program is designed to target a specific food item we regularly include in our weekly bags. By choosing just one item, it alleviates the need to recall the overwhelming list of items the pantry needs regularly. This helps make it easier to grab and "extra item" for the pantry when shopping for your own family. Below is a list of items that we regularly include in our weekly bags. By no means is this a comprehensive list. In order to help meet the growing needs of our community, we are accepting all food donations, toiletries, baby care products, etc. Please just be sure to check all expiration dates. Donations can be dropped off at the pantry on Saturday mornings from 9:00 - 11:00 am or by calling 209-786-2526 for an appointment.
Canned Soup, Canned Tuna, Canned Fruit, Canned Spaghetti Sauce, Bagged or Boxed Spaghetti, Rice, Bread, Powered Milk, Boxed Mac & Cheese, Boxed Instant Mashed Potatoes, Peanut Butter, Jelly, Dried Beans (pinto or kidney), Eggs, Hot Dogs
We have witnessed many miracles in the past that have allowed us to keep our pantry doors open. We believe that God will continue to provide for this ministry. We give generously to all who ask, trusting the promise:
"He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness." 2 Corinthians 9:10
The Neighbor to Neighbor Ministry Team:
Chairperson: Heidi Miller
Vice Chairperson: Bev Brayshaw
Purchasers: Jim and Heidi Miller
Volunteer Coordinator: Jolie Biles
