The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Local church helps provide a holiday meal for those in need
A local church’s food pantry is going the extra mile to ensure that families in need have a meal for the upcoming holiday.
Greater St. Matthew African Methodist Episcopal Church, 1909 W. 24th St., Lorain, passed out about 300 turkeys and other items on Dec. 20.
“We have a little bit of everything, anything that they can serve, we have turkey, bread, canned goods, anything that (you) could want to cook a holiday meal,” church member Rhoda Lee said.
The groceries that were passed out were tailored to the size of the family to ensure that everyone had a full meal, she said.
“This really helps our community by letting people know that help is available for them and that we care, as a church, and as members of our community,” Lee said.
The church has been operating the food pantry for about 25 years on the second Thursday of every month; members estimate that they help feed about 300 to 700 people month after month.
Recently, the pantry took on a more official name: The Earl I. Woods, Count Your Blessings Food Pantry, named after a church member that helped organize the food pantry over the years.
The turkey dinner is something we do to help people have a happy holiday, Pastor Darian Banks said.
Banks, a recent Toledo transplant, became pastor at the church last year and said that the pantry really helps out the community.
“During the Christmas season, it seems like so many people are down and out right now,” Banks said. “We just hope to help out the people that really need it this time of
year.”
Food pantry director Clivetta Grayson said that the pantry has grown since its inception 20 years ago.
Originally servicing about 30 people once a month, the pantry has increased in size to help feed hundreds, Grayson said.
The church relies on dona- tions and grants from local volunteers and businesses and works in connection with the Second Harvest Food Bank, 7445 Deer Trail Lane, Lorain.
This year, Grayson said, the Church and the pantry received part of the “turkey grant” from the Lorain County Community Action Agency that made everything possible and that they are extremely grateful for the contributions.
“Everyone is welcome, we don’t turn anyone away unless we don’t have anything,” Grayson said.
“All you have to do is bring in a picture ID and fill out a form with your address on it and we will take care of you.”