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For I as hungry and you gave me food...

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After unloading the truck volunteers (on left) assist food recipients (on right) to bag their produce.
“For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me” Matthew 25:35

   They are hungry and they give them food. They are thirsty and they give them drink. They may be strangers but they are welcomed! This is what transpires week after week, year after year at the Storehouse Pantry where everything is free! Storehouse Pantry is located at the Tri-City Mall in the back behind Roses. It now occupies 28,000 square feet.

   Who runs Storehouse Pantry? It is headed by two very dedicated and caring people. They do not receive any pay. They too are volunteers just like everyone else who works there. Their names are Pat and Junior Evans. Pat and her mother started helping feed people in Cowpens 25 years ago. Storehouse Pantry was located at the White Oak Plaza but the lease was terminated. Tri-City Mall owner Webb Hunt was contacted and he gave Storehouse Pantry a workable lease so reasonable they just could not refuse. The new location was an answer to their prayers. They now have over double the space.

   Should you go to Storehouse Pantry on Tuesday, you can witness free fresh produce day. Produce, bread, and if possible, desserts are handed out. Some people arrive as early as 7 a.m. waiting for that wonderful big white truck. The Storehouse Pantry’s big white truck is always a welcomed sight for all those waiting!  Produce is distributed about 2 p.m. on Tuesday. Thursday’s food distribution starts at 11 a.m. That is when all other foods as well as cleaning and hygiene products is freely distributed. The big white truck goes to Wal-Mart and Food Lion on Tuesday to pick up donations and to Charlotte at other times to shop at Second Harvest where foods must be purchased. Volunteers inside Storehouse Pantry bag the products by category to give all an equal share. Thursday is shopping cart day. No one is turned away. All are welcomed.

   The entire operation is run by the loving and caring volunteers. Storehouse Pantry depends on money from individuals, churches and organizations to survive. Right now, new or used refrigerators and freezers are badly needed to store food which will be given away. Also more volunteers are needed. Pat Evans says it was a food bank which helped her and her husband, Junior, when he was sick. Without their help, they could not have survived. Pat will tell you: “It’s all about making a difference. To see their grateful faces, to understand their need...to be able to give them what it takes to survive...it’s such a blessing. Yes, I cry a lot! The reward is  forever and what my husband and I receive in return is unbelievable.”

    Storehouse Pantry has also adopted five schools for their backpack program. Food is sent home in the children’s backpacks. They now feed between 200 to 250 people in addition to the school children. They want to do more. They need help.

   A new proposal has recently been made. If every church in Rutherford County would have one love offering collection, once a month at Sunday services, the resulting financial aid would be so helpful. To join and become a part of this new program, please call Pat or Junior at 828-980-2654 or 828-980-2778.

   What a great opportunity we all have to reach out and help feed our neighbors. What a wonderful way we can give to those who are hungry. Every little bit helps! So, go ahead make yourself feel better...volunteer, donate, give!

    



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