Providing Food for Those in Need

Since most of our volunteers are in the high-risk age category of people who should not volunteer, we have had a number of younger people come forward to keep the help flowing. Our staff are employing creative ways of serving people without endangering our volunteers or our clients. 

Wendy Urbin, administrative assistant for Adventist Community Services, stepped in to lead out in feeding the hungry. Each day she leads the volunteers in prayer for guidance as they interact with the people. She meets the clients outside to take their information. They stand behind cones marking a safe distance. Clients then go back to their cars. Soon another volunteer comes out with a cart full of food to place in their open trunk. Some of these colder days require her to dress in a warm coat and gloves. Meanwhile, inside the Center, volunteers are entering information into the computer, packing potatoes, apples, pears, and onions into plastic bags, and filling the orders for from one person to families of 10 or 12.

Wendy reports that people are freely expressing their gratitude that we are still open to serve. “I just got laid off and need food to feed my family. Thank you so much,” is a frequent remark. “We went to our regular food bank and were told to come to you. We hope you can help us.” 

We usually serve residents of three local zip codes, but Second Harvest, our main food source, has asked us to serve people who come, no matter their zip code. That translates to our serving many new families.

It is a privilege to see the volunteers serving with joy in these troubled times. “Then the King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by My Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you fed Me….’”Matthew 25:34,35.