The Worship Team at First United Methodist Church is calling on its congregation, and other local churches, to support the Kewanee Food Pantry this holiday season.
With just a few hundred dollars shy of their fundraising goal, the team hopes neighboring congregations will join the effort to help local families in need.
Sally Senteney, a member of the Worship Team, said the food pantry challenge began last year as a way to give back to the community. She recalled how the team used to hand out small loaves of bread to the congregation but realized they could probably do more. “We are so blessed,” she said, adding that the goal was to extend that blessing to others.
Last year’s challenge raised $2,300 in cash donations and food items. Senteney noted that the food pantry can stretch those dollars further than the average consumer by purchasing through the food bank. This year, the church’s challenge began last month, and they are just $300 shy of matching that total.
With economic uncertainty, rising food insecurity and SNAP benefits in question, Senteney said the team will meet mid-month to decide whether to deliver the food and funds early to help families prepare for Thanksgiving.
If your congregation chooses to take on the November challenge alongside First United Methodist Church, The Kewanee Voice wants to hear from you. Send an email to news@kewaneevoice.com with the subject line: Challenge Accepted!
