Worship Outside the Walls to contribute to Shenandoah Food Pantry - KMAland

Worship Outside the Walls to contribute to Shenandoah Food Pantry - KMAland

(Shenandoah) -- For the second straight year, members of Shenandoah's First Presbyterian Church will be helping out the community food pantry by collecting food in town.

The second annual Worship Outside the Walls is scheduled for September 16th, 17th and 18th, as a way to help collect food for the Shenandoah Community Food Pantry. Rick Sleyster is pastor of the church, and he says the event allows members of the church to get out in the community while also helping out a worthwhile cause.

"It's a way of celebrating our faith and worshiping in the context of serving -- as it suggests -- outside the sanctuary walls," said Sleyster. "We'll be collecting food for the food pantry in a couple of different ways."

On Friday, September 16th from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. members will be at Fareway in Shenandoah accepting donations of food for the pantry. Also on Saturday, September 17 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. members with by at Hy-Vee in Shenandoah accepting donations. In addition to accepting food donations at both locations, residents will be able to purchase pre-made bags of needed items for the food pantry for $5 and $10. Sleyster says the event culminates on Sunday, September 18th, when members will be going door-to-door in a portion of the community to collect food.

"Members of the church will be canvassing a portion of the community on Sunday (September 18th) morning at about 9:30," said Sleyster. "It will be east to west from Center Street to Maple Street, and north and south from Sheridan to the Country Club, Mayridge Drive and the hospital."

Sleyster says it's easy to participate if you live in the area.

"Residents in that part of town are going to be getting a flyer at their door," said Sleyster. "On Sunday morning the 18th, all they really have to do if they choose to participate and want to help out, they can set some items for the food pantry on their porch outside their home. We'll come by, pick them up and make sure they're delivered."

All of the donations are then taken to the Shenandoah Food Pantry. Sleyster says the pantry is something that is dearly needed in the community.

"It is used a lot, and it's year-round," said Sleyster. "I think the Shenandoah Community Food Pantry is probably one of the most important services that's provided here in the Shenandoah area. They do a tremendous job. They have great volunteers. People are always glad to contribute to the food pantry because they know that it's a hands-on way of helping other people."

Anyone with questions about the event can contact the First Presbyterian Church at (712) 246-3592.

Sleyster was a recent guest on KMA's Dean and Don Show, and you can listen to his full interview in the audio file below.

Your browser does not support the audio element.