From the Pantry Coordinator
The food pantry at Zion UMC has undergone some changes in 2011. Chris Braxton, whom the Lord worked through to serve as the backbone of the pantry since it's inception 4 years ago, nominated successors Laura Martinsen and Bill Crislip to oversee the pantry. In July, community-wide accounting for donations became possible through Charity Tracker, a central database. This helps with the growing need – our clientele alone grew so that we have served over 215 area families in 2011. The pantry also obtained a freezer in order to offer a better supply of perishable items. Thanks to Juanita Christian we have added a coat closet to our offerings for the winter months. Looking forward to 2012 we hope to add more options for fresh produce, receive more training in Charity Tracker reporting and maintain our current offerings despite increasing need. A HUGE THANK YOU goes out to all of the over 30 volunteers that assisted with the food pantry at one time or another during 2011 and of course much gratitude for the continued support of our benefactors: Operation Rice Bowl grants and members of our congregation and friends. May the blessing of our Lord continue to come to the needy through our efforts.
