Food for Families volunteers see need throughout year
IMLAY CITY — No matter the time of year, volunteers at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church can be found giving freely of their time to assist struggling local individuals and families.
In particular during the holiday season, when the purpose of St. Paul’s ‘Food for Families’ program ensures that local residents have access to hardy, wholesome meals.
Residents are also welcome to peruse St. Paul’s food pantry for canned and boxed staple items, as well as milk, butter, eggs and other perishables.
On Monday, Dec. 13, with Christmas Day soon approaching, volunteers were busy stocking 50 food boxes; each containing enough food for a full-course holiday meal and more.
St. Paul’s volunteers fill 50 gift bags and baskets with turkeys, hams, paper products and numerous other items needed for a family of four to enjoy a hardy and bountiful Christmas meal.
Inside the kitchen, yet more volunteers were preparing and serving up tasty meals to St. Paul’s regular clients and visitors.
Wes Davis, St. Paul’s Food for Families coordinator, reminded that poverty and hardship can strike at any time, but it’s during the holiday season that it becomes most apparent to others.
“There are always people and families going through tough times,” Davis said. “We’re blessed and fortunate to be able to offer them a helping hand.”
Speaking of helping hands, Davis acknowledged St. Paul’s dedicated volunteers who regularly offer assistance in the kitchen and/or with the food pantry.
He also thanked all those who’ve donated to this year’s Food for Families program, including Mitch’s Meat & Deli of Shelby Twp. for donating 50 turkeys; Vlasic Foods for donating 50 jars of pickles; and Thrivent for donating $250 to purchase hams for the gift boxes.
Davis added that after the first of the year, St. Paul’s will resume opening on Mondays and Wednesdays from 4-5:30 p.m. for meals and access to the food pantry.
Donations welcome
Anyone wishing to volunteer or make a donation to St. Paul’s Food for Families program may contact the church office at 810-724-1200, or call Wes Davis at 248-931-5661.
St. Paul’s Lutheran Church is located at 200 N. Cedar St. (Van Dyke) in Imlay City.
