What is the function
of the pantry and whom does it serve?
The pantry is NOT a free grocery store.
It exists to provide emergency relief to people in great
need-- the elderly, the handicapped, the working poor.
People seeking help must provide proof
that they live in one of the two zip codes served by the
pantry and must show Social Security cards for each member
of the family. They must explain the reason help is needed
and then will receive help once a month for a maximum of
three months. They are given food and hygiene supplies,
enough for several days.
As a separate function, modest but nourishing
bagged lunches are distributed to homeless persons who may
come each week. Sadly, over the years we have seen a growing
number of women and children asking for these lunches. You
have probably seen our oft-repeated request for travel-sized
hygiene items. Our homeless clients are as grateful for
shampoo, lotion, deodorant, razors, toothpaste and toothbrushes
as they are for food. But these things have to be kept in
their pockets. Hence the need for small sizes.
Who staffs the pantry?
The members of Mt. Olive Lutheran Church
started the pantry and staff the pantry every Wednesday.
King of Glory volunteers are at work on the first and third
Wednesdays of each month, and Bethany Lutheran Church members
are there on the second and fourth Wednesdays. There are
also King of Glory members who are at work on other days,
devoting countless hours to shopping for food, collecting
food from other Lutheran churches, collecting donated baked
goods from a number of stores and bakeries, and delivering
everything to Mt. Olive.
All of the pantry workers are volunteers,
so every donated dollar is spent on supplies for the needy.
Is anyone else involved? Several young men from Jesuit High
School are there every week when school is in session, fulfilling
their public service requirement. They are tireless workers;
unfortunately, they are not available during the summer
or at holiday times, when the demands on the pantry are
greatest. The Lutheran high school and one or two Lutheran
churches occasionally send young people to help.
How can I help?
Donations are always gratefully received! Donations can
be made through PayPal or checks
can be made out to In The City For Good and
earmarked for Mt. Olive Food Pantry.
In The City For Good
10455 N. Central Expressway #109-140
Dallas, TX 75231
The requested "items of the month" are
always listed in the Sunday bulletin insert of our supporting
churches.
There are tasks that can be performed by
people of all ages-- Sunday School children, Youth Group
members, Circles, Small Groups,etc. And help is always needed
with shopping and delivering.
Mt. Olive
3100 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd
Dallas, Texas 75215
214-428-2892
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