For quite a few years our food pantry has been serving between 60-100 families in crisis with groceries each month. Although this is good, it's not good enough and if we're going to meet this increased need in our county it's going to require our food pantry be updated and expanded to serve more families.

One of the ways we've accomplished this task is by changing the pantry hours of operation and how the food is distributed.

Rather than being open Mon-Fri during office hours the food pantry will now be open to the public on the 2nd Saturday of every month. 

Food will no longer be boxed up in advance but instead families will have the opportunity to shop (free of charge) for their groceries in the same manner they do during the holidays (minus the shopping cart that is).

We're very excited and confident that these new changes will enable many more families to receive the assistance they so desperately need but here's the thing, we can't do this alone. 

The food pantry will be a mini version of the Holiday Tent and in the same manner will require the help of many volunteers.  This is a wonderful opportunity for those who desire to reach out to struggling families not just during the holidays but all year long.

If you're interested in helping meet this challenge listed below are the available  "Volunteer Opportunities"

•Greeter                                                                                                                                                       You'll be the first person families meet.  Welcome and direct their visit

•Registration                                                                                                                                               Greet and enter data of family information

•Personal Shopper                                                                                                                                     You'll interact one on one with families throughout their shopping experience. 

•Food Stocking                                                                                                                                            You'll have the important responsibility of keeping the tables stocked and a great opportunity to interact with          families.  Some heavy lifting may be required

•Food Sorting                                                                                                                                              We receive a large shipment of food and other products on the 1st Tuesday of every month.  We're in need             of a few volunteers to help sort and stock on this day.

•Personal Valets                                                                                                                                           You'll assist those requiring help back to their vehicles.

•Parking Assistant                                                                                                                                       Important responsibility of directing traffic and parking

•Sponsor A Food Drive                                                                                                                              Challenge your civic group, school, church or business associates to host a food drive

Our plan is to have the new food pantry open on the 2nd Saturday in February but it will require buying a second small tent.  Along with the one we already have these two tents will keep everything dry in case we run into some rainy days.

The cost of this tent is $400 and unfortunately is not in the budget right now.  Any donations to help purchase an additional tent would be greatly appreciated.  You can send a check or give securely on line through PayPal.  Please earmark your donation (Pantry tent) Thank you

For more information on how you can get involved email Paula Pierce at: tt.thestreets@gmail.com

Let's keep the blessings flowing through 2012.