Neighbors helping neighbors in wonderful ways

To the Editor:

The year 2020 is behind us and we look forward to what 2021 brings us. One of the many challenges has been and continues to be keeping the Community Storehouse Food Pantry at Rock Road Chapel up and running, keeping safety at the forefront.

One of the most rewarding outcomes of this difficult time has been the sense of community that has neighbors helping neighbors in so many wonderful ways. As we struggled in how to best serve the community in the safest way possible, our neighbors took on the challenge of keeping our  food pantry open. So many of our wonderful neighbors came forward to offer help and to bring donations of food and money to ensure we reach anyone struggling through the pandemic we are in.

We are grateful for the support of the following community neighbors:

Berne and Knox Reformed churches, Berne and Knox fire departments, Berne Masonic Temple, the Champion Family, the Berne Seniors for hand-knitted hats and gloves, the Berne Library for the donations of hats and mittens, the individual monthly and seasonal financial donors, Camp Pinnacle for the workers who help unload pallets of donated food, Hannaford Markets for fresh food, and meat weekly and Jezreel International for the much-needed pallets of food.

Your generous help brings comfort and much needed help to those who need an extra hand in difficult times.

A special thanks to Maryellen  Gillis and the Helderberg Family and Community Organization, who brought a working partnership to the Community Storehouse with generous help for our Thanksgiving and Christmas special give-away. We serviced over 130 families for the holidays and were able to adopt a family with severe medical problems. Christmas love was shown in such a special way with food and gifts for the family of five.

We  implemented many changes to ensure the safety of those who visit the food pantry. Only one family is allowed in the pantry at a time and carts are sanitized after every use. Staff wear masks and gloves at all times and we ask all visitors to wear a mask while in the food pantry.

We continue to be open on Wednesday mornings from 7 to 9 a.m., with free breakfast being served, and Saturday from 9 to 11 a.m. We look forward to continually supporting our neighbors.

If you have any questions please feel free to give Rock Road Chapel a call at 518-872-2810 or call Pastor Martha at 518-221-2479.

With many thanks to this great community,

Martha Davis

Community Outreach Pastor

Staff of Rock Road Chapel

Community Storehouse

Knox

 

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