Drive-thru pantry created at Perrysville Church

By Carol McIntire

Editor

A visit to the Salvation Army in New Philadelphia sparked an idea for the congregation of Perrysville United Methodist Church.

“They had an outdoor pantry where people could drive or walk up to it and take what they needed,” said Deb Booth, who heads up the project for the church. “It gave us the idea to do the same for our community.”

The pantry is now complete and ready for use by anyone in need of food, personal hygiene, paper products, hats, gloves etc. 

The men of the church, led by Ken Stoneman, constructed the pantry box and erected it on a pole in the parking lot across the church on SR 164.

“This is our way of providing for those in need,” said Booth. “People can stop and take what they need or even place items in there they’ve received somewhere else they are not going to use.”

Pastor Dixie Hendricks noted the pantry was named “The Lord’s Sharing Pantry” for just that reason: sharing with others.

“We plan to have a variety of cold weather items, such as hats, gloves and scarves,” she said. “We have the supplies in the church across the road, so it is convenient for us for re-load the pantry.”

The pantry is just one of the church’s outreach services. They also serve a monthly community meal. 

“The meal has become a drive-thru dinner,” said Booth, who heads up the kitchen staff for the meals. “It was a big hit when it was a sit-down dinner because people could sit and talk to one another. It is also very popular as a drive-thru event.”

The combined November, December meal is being served Dec. 8 from 5-7 p.m. at the Perry Twp. Hall. No meals will be served in January and February. 

The men of the church also provide outreach and recently helped an area resident cut a supply of wood for winter heating. The church has also helped young families in the community. 

“Our heart’s desire is to follow our Savior and to give,” stated Hendricks.