TOLEDO, Ohio (WTVG) – One in seven adults and one in 5 kids are experiencing food insecurity in Northwest Ohio. That’s in line with the Toledo Northwestern Ohio Food Bank.
God’s Instruments is one of the organizations on the frontlines of the combat to assist finish starvation in our group. And the group has a brand new goal for the outdated Eastwood Movie Theater on East Broadway.
It is now residence to a food pantry that helps feed hundreds of folks each month. The objective is to broaden that attain by different group actions.
Those concerned say the work has been life-changing.
“The feeling of being helpful to others is surreal. It’s something money could never buy or material possessions could never give you. It is the purest joy on earth. When you see someone come through the front door who may be struggling and you see them walk out with the biggest smile on their face, that is such a good feeling,” Pastor Matt Smith, the president of God’s Instruments stated.
After a number of years at one other location, the doorways opened earlier this month at the new pantry.
“We’re a shop-style pantry, so we give them freedom of choice. They come in and pick what they want based on the size of their family. During our food first pass-out at the new location, we helped 138 families. We’re anticipating higher numbers this Saturday for our next food pass out,” Smith stated.
The dedication of volunteers and donors is what makes this work doable.
“We are truly powered by volunteers and God’s grace, because I know he puts it in their hearts like he did with me, to give back and to help,” Smith stated.
Wednesday was supply day. Several thousand kilos of food was unloaded by volunteers and it'll go proper again out the door with these in want this weekend.
“We’re open to all. It doesn’t matter your zip code or how far you are driving. If you make it down here, we’ll help you. Hunger knows no bounds and neither do we. We will help anyone who shows up at our front door,” Smith stated.
East Toledo holds a particular place in Pastor Smith’s coronary heart. He grew up right here and says that makes this work much more rewarding.
“I want to give back to the community that gave me so much. One of my teachers at Waite High School showed me how helping others can make a difference. She changed my perspective on life. That’s one of the greatest joys that can fill your heart is when you’re helping someone,” Smith stated.
The food pantry is open the first and third Saturday of every month from 10-noon. Once once more, everybody is welcome.
The plan is so as to add issues like group film nights and vacation occasions to the schedule in the coming months.
If you need assistance, you’d wish to donate time, cash or non-perishable food, click here.
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