Ministries Unlimited Deserves Your Support

By Steve Rensberry, Editor

The Ministries Unlimited food pantry is busy preparing for its annual Christmas drive. In a recent letter from Pantry Director Betty Cothran, it’s noted that Troy United Methodist Church will serve as the collection and distribution center this year, with people urged to bring donations to the church on Monday, Dec. 16, after 12 noon. “Santa will deliver the bags of toys and the pastors from the participating churches — with their helpers — will make the food deliveries on Saturday, Dec. 21,” she said.

Another key date is Nov. 22, which is when people are asked to submit the names of families who they feel could use some help. Names should be submitted in a sealed envelop to any local pastor or to Ministries Unlimited, and will be kept confidential. “Names must be submitted no later than November 22, due to preparation and planning needs,” Cothran said. Organizing and distributing the items will take place the church between Dec. 17 and 20.

The work that goes into the drive, and the quantity of items donated, speaks well of the local churches and overall generosity of many local people.

“The canned goods and monetary collections, which began in many churches, schools and businesses during October, help fill a Christmas basket for each family,” Cothran said in the letter. “The monetary contributions are used to add turkey or ham and to maintain the pantry during the coming year. New toys and gifts are collected by groups and individuals in the community.”

With all the hoopla and advanced planning we sometimes engage in when it comes to regular holiday gift buying,  some advanced “Ministries Unlimited” holiday donation planning might not be a bad idea!