St. Thomas Episcopal Church hosting Chili Supper to support Non-Food Pantry

Tuesday, October 29, 2024 at 11:00 PM

By Kathy Bottorff

The members of St. Thomas Episcopal Church at the corner of Center and Adams Street realized several years ago that many families in our community were struggling to provide necessary items. Since food pantries were already in operation by the Neighborhood Center and Bread of Life, they decided to offer other items that could not be easily obtained through the FDA’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

They created a Non-Food Pantry (NFP) that is stock with paper products, cleaning supplies, bath soaps, and personal hygiene items. After opening the pantry, they quickly add diapers and wipes to their offerings because they were so often requested.

The St. Thomas Episcopal Church Non-Food Pantry is open on the first and third Wednesday of each month. The Non-Food Pantry is open from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm in the Parish Hall and basement. Each client is allowed to choose eight items for their home each month.

Volunteers from the church and community work on the project each week. They do accept donations of supplies and funds to stock the pantry.

St. Thomas Church at 400 North Center Street will be hosting a Chili Supper this Friday to raise funds for the Non-Food Pantry. Tickets purchased before the supper are $10 and will be $12 at the door. The meal includes several kinds of chili including regular chili, white chicken chili, vegetarian chili and even spicy chili. Dinner also includes cheese and crackers, veggies and dessert.