May 7, 2025

The annual Rummage and Plant Sale was held this past Saturday. The Parish Hall was filled to the brim, the porch was bursting with plants donated from Van Wingerden International and parishioners, and the parking lot was over flowing with enthusiastic shoppers. Attendees left with bags filled with many treasures. On behalf of the Pantry Board, many thanks for the assistance of so many volunteers throughout the week and on Saturday. St. James Episcopal Church's Thrift Store collected all remaining items at the end of the day. Linda Wozniak and her team of volunteers are to be commended for a job well done. Thank you one and all!!

The Garden of Hope participants from Advent Health participated in the second session led by Doug Kearney and Dr. Colette Salm-Schmid, oncologist from Advent Health, at The Lord's Acre Garden.  They pulled weeds and covered squash and carrots with mesh to keep our "forest friends” at bay. One of the goals is to apply the learnings to home gardens.

Our Manna delivery on Thursday provided us with several thousand pounds of fresh produce, TEFAP items, meat, eggs, and banana boxes of mixed items. Our garden provided 190 pounds of collards.  Tractor.Farm provided strawberries, mushrooms, spinach, bamboo, micro greens, radishes, and several varieties of lettuces.

We welcomed 127 families representing 420 individuals and eleven new families. The eleven new families represent a total of 40 family members.  We continue to need volunteers who can help with Spanish registrations. Once a month would be very helpful!

On behalf of our Pantry Board, we express our heartfelt gratitude for your generous food and monetary donations to our pantry. Your donations will make a significant impact on the lives of those in our community who are struggling with food insecurity.

- Kathy Noyes, for the Executive Committee