More people are giving the organization food items, but so many people are asking for help, that the church fears having to turn some away.
By JACKIE RIPLEY
Published May 16, 2003
TOWN 'N COUNTRY - Publicity has been good for the food bank at Lutheran Church of Our Saviour in Town 'N Country - too good, in some ways.
Volunteers say recent news articles prompted an increase in donations, but also in the number of people coming in for help.
"We've been feeding a lot of hungry people," said Joan Baun, who has volunteered at the food bank for several years. "But we were at the point of sending people away because we were not able to keep the supplies up."
At the same time, volunteer Marilyn Ruggiero said, "I have witnessed people with no church affiliation bringing truck loads of food to our food bank. The number of people who want to help somebody is astonishing."
Earlier this year the church at 8401 W Hillsborough Ave. expanded its food bank by dedicating an entire room behind the parish hall to its use.
There, volunteers ready everything from canned soup and canned fruit to peanut butter and crackers for pickup or delivery to families. Already, they need more space.
To help support their efforts, the church will hold a garage sale Saturday in the parish hall from 7 a.m. until 1 p.m.
Baun said anyone wishing to donate items can drop them off at the church from 5-8 p.m. Friday or early Saturday.
"The items that go the best are children's clothes, books and knickknacks," Baun said.
Thrivent Financial, a church-affiliated group that provides help to Lutheran churches, will match proceeds from the sale, Baun said.
"It's really apparent that the Town 'N Country area needs something like this," Baun said. "People are saying they wouldn't be eating if not for our help."
The food bank is open from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays and asks clients their names, addresses and telephone numbers, Baun said.
Anyone wishing to drop off food should do so on Tuesdays or Fridays. Or you can send money to LCOS at Lutheran Church of Our Saviour, 8401 W Hillsborough Ave., 33615-3893.
