Last week
Loaves & Fishes celebrated
It’s 5th Anniversary.
That doesn’t sound like very long.
But if anyone has ever
Built a non-profit from scratch
They know what has gone into
Those five years.
Lots of work
Lots of mistakes
Lots of love.
For those of you who don’t know
Loaves & Fishes is a client choice food pantry
That helps to feed our hungry neighbors.
Lots of our hungry neighbors.
About 752 families each month
We strive to give them healthy food choices
Things they can’t always afford.
The food comes from
Our “Mother Ship”
The Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma.
From local residents who contribute to our food drives
From generous donors who believe in our mission
From local grocery stores who give us their leftovers.
The work is done by
A great staff
Led by our forward thinking Executive Director Carrie
And dedicated volunteers.
It takes 20 – 25 volunteers to open our doors each day
To drive the truck to pick up food donations.
Load and sort the food.
Stock the shelves.
Do the intake interviews.
Be a shopper helper helping clients make smart food choices.
Committed Board of Directors members
Nutrition class teachers
And those of us who work in our garden.
All of this so that elderly neighbors have good nutritious food
Given to them out of love
By someone who cares.
And young families working hard
But not quite making it to the end of the month
Knowing they have someplace to get help
So their children can eat.
And it’s done
With amazing efficiency.
It costs about $33.00 a month to help a family.
Families come to us for help
On average 4 times a year.
It’s been an amazing ride.
Those of us who were there at the beginning
Were smiling all week long
Seeing what so many have worked so hard
To create.
Loaves & Fishes has been a big part of my life
Over the last years.
I can’t think of anyplace I would have rather been.
Thank you to all of you who have done your part
And more.
So, if you are within shouting distance
I hope you’ll come and see what we are all about.
Maybe even think about volunteering or donating.
It’s an amazing place
Filled with God’s love for all.
Gail
http://www.loavesandfishesnwok.org/
In My Garden 