Publisher's Desk

It is not November, the month set aside to give thanks, but it is time to prepare our hearts and minds by remembering our blessings and being a blessing to others through contributions to the Calhoun Food Pantry, based at First Baptist Church, Grantsville.

Calhoun Food Pantry invites all of us to participate in a blessing by attending the Thanksgiving services that will be held at area churches from Nov. 14-17. These are ecumenical services, organized by different denominations working together to help us count our own blessings and to collect food for those who need a blessing.

Yes, even in Calhoun County, there are people who will go hungry. Many have been laid off from their work and, often because of pride, have not asked for help, but now need this program just to make ends meet. Most churches are asking their members to start now and bring a food item each time they are in attendance.

The Food Pantry has been in existence for over 20 years. Pete Trippett, volunteer manager, has been in charge for 18 years, and First Baptist Church had supplied volunteers even before that time. Approximately 250 families are served each month. There are no papers to be filled out. Each recipient must only state a need.

The pantry is housed in the garage behind First Baptist. It is an accessible place, with street level entry, for donations to be made or food pick up by participants. The pantry is open year round. Youth and community groups have special events for collection of foods and 20 county churches participate, along with about 20 community groups, businesses and government.

Schedule for Thanksgiving services (7 p.m.) and speakers is as follows:

Sunday, Nov. 14, Pleasant Hill U.M. Church, Pastor Shelly Mace of Louisa Chapel.

Monday, Nov. 15, Mt. Zion U.M. Church, Pastor Gene Satterfield of Sycamore Baptist Church.

Tuesday, Nov. 16, Enon Baptist Church, Pastor Don Stilgenbauer of Mt. Zion U.M. Church.

Wednesday, Nov. 17, First Baptist Church, Dave Trippett, member of Knotts Memorial U.M. Church.

Please bring a non-perishable food item to each service. Checks should be made to First Baptist Church, and marked “Food Pantry.” For information, to make donations, or to request food, call Pete Trippett, 354-7966.