Fairplay MBC to open pantry

Fairplay Missionary Baptist Church, 8516 FairPlay Road, in Benton, is announcing the reopening of the church's pantry. The pantry will be there to provide food, clothing and even some household items to those in need. The clothing, food and household items have been donated to the pantry. It will be open the first Saturday of each month, starting in February, from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m.

The pantry will open this year starting on February 4.

Carolyn Beck, who works with the pantry said even if they don’t have the specific item someone is needing, they will work to get it for them.

“We want to make sure that if you need food, clothing or even some household items, you know we are here,” said Beck.

During the COVID-19 pandemic and other issues, the pantry was closed for an extended period.

Beck said before the pandemic, several people were showing up to receive assistance from the pantry and would like to help as many people as they were before the pandemic.

Sue Burks, who runs the pantry for the church, said they are trying to spread the word to the community that they are back open and ready to help. Burks said the pantry opened 9 years ago and gained attention by word of mouth. She said the pantry may not have as much food as it did the last time they were open, but it will be able to provide meals, especially breakfast and lunch, to families in need. Burks said if a family has children they will be sure to give the families plenty of what they need so the children can be taken care of.

Burks said if the pantry isn’t able to assist a family or person in way that can meet their needs, they will send them in the right direction to receive the help they need.

Those looking to receive assistance from the pantry can walk in on the first Saturday of each month. They will then fill out a form so the volunteers can be sure to meet people's needs as best as possible. To donate to the pantry, contact Burks at 501-315-3168.

They also offer assistance to families or individuals who have suffered an unexpected emergency like a fire, a tornado or other natural disasters. People in those situations looking for help can also contact Burks.