More in need seek Harvesters distribution
, News reporter
07-29-2009
"Folks poured in like water pouring into a basement," said Pastor Fred Kelly, when he referred to the July 15 Harvesters distribution.
"We had almost 50 families. That's food for approximately 170-180 people," said Kelly. "We opened at 5:30 p.m., and by 6:15 p.m., we were empty. We got wiped out."
Kelly said that since their Harvesters distribution now includes Rayville, many residents of that small community showed up. Though the distribution time was to extend until 7 p.m., several families came after 6:15 p.m., when unfortunately, there was nothing left.
"The cars lined up in the parking lot, down the street to the stop sign and past that," Kelly added, and that was twenty minutes early.
Janice Haynes, Harvesters distribution director for Fleming Baptist Church, reported that prior to July 1 the church was helping 63 families total with two distributions each month. The July 1 distribution brought 44 families out. With the July 15 figures reaching 50 families, the church hopes to increase the amount of food they can bring to the church for distribution.
In order to satisfy the increasing demand on the small distribution center, Kelly and Haynes hope to find additional help. They need more people that can go to the Harvesters facility in Kansas City, and really hope to find someone with a truck and perhaps even a trailer, that can follow the other truck to the pick up site.
"We schedule our pick up time and get there early, because you can get more bakery items," said Kelly. "Trucks come in throughout the day. We leave at 5 or 5:30 a.m., to be there by 7 or 7:15 a.m., but they open at 6:30 a.m. There's been just two of us to get food. If more people could come, it would mean we could get more food. There's no limit to what you can get -- it's what you can do and how much room you have."
Kelly said there is a "free floor' at Harvesters where you get the produce and specialty items, but they need more hands and trucks.
"Last time it was apples, cantaloupe, sweet potatoes and potatoes. One time, we had grapefruit," he said.
For the July 15 distribution, Gene Wyse and his wife drove their truck that Tuesday and picked up around 1,800 pounds of food. The couple has been faithful in helping. "They're 110 percent dedicated to this ministry," said Kelly.
"I know we have people that abuse it. The Lord will take care of that. The huge majority, I have no doubt, need it in a big way," Kelly continued. "One lady walks from Richmond--to get her groceries. We've taken her back when she doesn't have a way home."
Kelly and Haynes have received many expressions of gratitude.
"We got a wonderful card from one family that said they were having a real hard time. It's those things that make it all worthwhile," said Haynes.
In the meantime, donations help immensely and are crucial to the success of the program. The July 15 distribution had meat and they hope to have several skids of it, approximately 1,450 pounds, on the Aug. 1 distribution.
"We need an upright freezer to help with a donation like this and other frozen items," Kelly said. "We don't have enough freezer space, so we have some folks storing it in their homes for us."
Kelly is grateful for the help of youth and adults from Orrick and Richmond. They help many of the patrons out to their vehicles with their groceries.
The process is simple. Bring proof of residency from Orrick, Fleming, Camden, Richmond, Henrietta or Rayville.
"We issue a pantry card and punch it. Our food is set up for one to three people, four to six people and so on," said Haynes. "It's kind of like a grocery store, except someone goes through with them.
Harvesters lowered their price per pound for food from 16 cents to 10 cents. Kelly said if the church can get $75 in monetary donations, Harvesters will bring a truck with food and that amounts to three tons to a semi. In the meantime, donations are needed and welcome, a freezer would be appreciated, a few more helping hands, and an additional truck and driver would allow the church to help more people.
If you would like to help, please call Pastor Fred Kelly at 816-776-7625 or Janice Haynes at 816-776-7261. Monetary contributions may be mailed to Janice Haynes, 903 E. Main, Richmond, MO 64085 or Fleming Baptist Church, c/o Delores Creason, 37212 Hwy T, Orrick, MO 64077. Please specify that it is to be used for Harvesters.
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