The Food Pantry had it's first distribution on Aug. 27, 2008. There were 15 families & 33 individuals served. By December 2008, the distribution increased to 52 families and 131 individuals. The average distribution since then has been between 48-54 families and 100-125 individuals. There are 22-26 volunteers that assist every month in the distribution. The volunteers are not only from our church, but from the Ruritan Club and other people in the community that want to help. There have also been several people who received assistance from the Food Pantry that volunteered to help with distribution of the food in the months following the assistance they had received. The distribution is on the 3rd Tues. of each month from 3-5 p.m.

By receiving donations of food and money from the church, Ruritans, the Vacation Bible School and others in the community we have also been able to serve people during the month that are in need of additional assistance.

This is an excellent program that God has entrusted to us at New Hope UMC. Recently a recipient of the food said with tears in her eyes, "Thank-you, Thankyou, Thank-you, I didn't have any food at home." What an awesome testament of our service to the Lord. You know you're doing the right thing!

A team of New Hope UMC members has re-organized and is visiting three nursing homes in our area each month. Visits take place on one Monday afternoon to two homes and another Monday afternoon to the other home each month. The team would love to have you join them! You may speak with any team member to find out more. Look for a feature article in an upcoming edition of the Church newsletter.