When the Oregon Food Bank determined there was an unmet need for food toward the end of each month, the Sharon Church stepped up.
Their pantry operates under the direction of Sharon Ewers, community services coordinator, who has a team of volunteers, including an elder to assist with spiritual needs. It is open on the last two Saturdays of the month from 2–4 p.m. The pantry is available then because the Oregon Food Bank says that is a time when food stamps are depleted and many other local food programs are closed.
When a family comes to the food bank, they are interviewed briefly. Based on their size and individual need, they are given a suggested shopping list. They then enter the pantry with a shopping cart and select items. Currently, the program serves 25 families a month, which is about 50–60 people.
“We try to develop a personal relationship with the recipients,” says Ewers, “and they respond in a very positive manner to this system.” Recently, a women asked if the pantry was for homeless people. "Yes," Ewers said, and then helped the lady pick items from the shelves that would not require cooking or refrigeration.
If you would like to help, items needed are: laundry and dish soap, toilet paper, toothpaste and toothbrushes. Donations can be made online at www.sharonsda.net or directly to the church.
Clara Young, a volunteer, checks in recipients. (Derrick Foxworth)
Larry Popplewell, head elder, on duty with Sister Sharon Ewers, and Sister Lillie Franklin prior to the opening of the food pantry near the free religious book rack. (Derrick Foxworth)
Elder Joyce Southall, Sister Lillie Franklin, Sister Gloria Olive, Sister Sharon Ewers and Sister Franklin prepare for the food pantry opening. (Derrick Foxworth)
Sister Gloria Olive, volunteer and church member, stocks the shelves for the food pantry. (Derrick Foxworth)
Volunteers including (from left) Gloria Olive, church memebr, Lillie Franklin, church member, Johnny Williams, neighborhood volunteer, Sharon Eweres, church member and Tina Cooper, church member, join together to pray before the opening of the food pantry. (Derrick Foxworth)
