Volunteers Needed at Dade County Food Pantry

Greetings,

Here is an update on the Tri-State Food Pantry through the end of September.  We have served an average of 1213 persons per month and our average distribution per month is 493 boxes.  Our lowest distribution for the year was 405 boxes in January and the highest was 574 in August.  We have distributed 4438 boxes so far this year.  With each box averaging 45 lbs, this means that we have distributed 99.85 tons of food so far in 2010.

We are in good shape financially thanks primarily to the overwhelming generosity of the people of Dade County.  We continue as a partner agency with United Way and fundraising through Bi-Lo Charities continues to set records.  However we are hurting in manpower.  I don't know how to be clearer when I say that we cannot continue to serve the community as we have in the past without additional people power to get the job done.  This is an all volunteer agency and we need more volunteers.  We especially need people who can help pack food boxes in an assembly line fashion on the following dates: 10/13, 11/3, 11/17, 12/1 and 12/15.  These are the packing dates through the end of the year.  We get started around 3:00.  If folks can move a banana box down a table pulling canned goods into the box that would be a tremendous help.  We also need folks who can break down cardboard boxes for recycling and help with keeping the line stocked.  We could also use some help on distribution days which are the first and third Friday of the month.  We have a communion service at 2:30 for anyone who wishes to attend. Distribution begins at 3:00 and goes until 5:00.  Light to heavy lifting may be needed on these days.  In all cases, we need people who will do what is needed without trying to tell us how we can do it better.  We'll be happy to listen to suggestions afterward.

God's hand is evident in the work that is being done at the Food Pantry - you would have to be blind to believe otherwise, but we need help.  Through the work that our own Larry Williams does through the mission society we know the value of missions in other places.  But there is a mission field right here in Dade County that is in desperate need of laborers.  

Thanks for your support.