Bread House Week 32

Week 32 was another record-setter. We had the most bags donated this week, we had the most bags given out, and most Members served ever! Each day we had folks lined up and ready to receive food by 8:45! Not only that, we are right at the 30 tons of food given out mark! We even had neighbors come by the Bread House, and when asked if they wanted some food, they responded, no, they appreciate what we are doing for the community and wanted to know what they could buy and donate to the cause!

Isaiah 58:10 – “If you offer your food to the hungry and satisfy the needs of the afflicted, then your light shall rise in the darkness and your gloom be like the noonday.”

Sandra Brown invited me to join the Bread House team after I retired in July. I was looking for something to fill my time, but little did I realize how serving would fill my heart and soul. The first person I met was a grandmother taking care of her six grandchildren while their mother is in jail. She struggles to keep food on the table, and the Bread House has helped answer some of her prayers.

When a family comes to the Bread House, we listen to their story and learn their needs. By doing this, we have been able to point people to Blessings for Children, Reboot, and Sunday services. I was surprised by how many people come to help others that cannot come themselves.  Proverbs 12:25 – “Anxiety weighs down the human heart, but a good word cheers it up.”

After volunteering my time in the Bread House, Blessings for Children, Backpack Missionary, and a couple of food drops, I am excited to be joining the Shalimar United Methodist Church Missions Team to find new ways to serve God!

Week 32 Numbers
Bags Collected - 3129
Bags Given Out - 317
Gift cards Given Out - 0
Members Served - 335

Total Numbers
Bags Collected - 8706
Bags Given Out - 7918 (29.7 tons)
Gift cards Given Out - 170 (over $7225)
Members Served - 5239

*Focus items you can help us with this week!
Canned Meat: Chicken, tuna, and ham
Canned Soup: Chicken Noodle, Tomato, and Cream of Mushroom soup
Canned Vegetables: Corn, green beans, mixed vegetables, baked beans, and Beanie Weenies
Pantry: Bread, Jelly, fruit cups, raisins (small boxes), peanut butter crackers, rice, granola bars, Mac & Cheese, and snacks
Dried Beans: Black, White, and Pinto Beans
Other Items: Paper towels, toilet paper, toothpaste, and toothbrushes
Snacks: small size bags of chips, cereal, fruit, health bars, etc. are always needed.

NOTE: If you cannot bring items to the Bread House, you can donate gift cards from local grocery stores or make cash donations to SUMC. In the MEMO section of your check, write Bread House or COVID 19 Relief Fund. The distribution of gift cards is tracked in order to ensure accountability and that we provide the cards to as many different people as possible.

If you have any questions about the program, please contact Janet Norris, Donna Whitney, Sandra Brown, Bill McBroom, Phil Richter, or Pete Peters at 703-395-2437 or email fpeters1@cox.net.