TISHOMINGO, Okla. (KXII) - "People need it they're hungry,"Volunteer Sue Robins said.
Amber Wooley says she noticed a growing problem in Johnston County, many people (especially seniors) were going without food.
Wooley says she and her business partner opened a small food pantry, and she recently moved into a newer, larger building to meet the high demand in the area.
"We all fall on hard times from time to time, and we all need that hand up," Wooley said,"that's really what this is about, being here being available meeting people where they are and helping them get to the next paycheck."
Wooley says her Christian faith led her to open up "Our Neighbor's Cupboard".
"My heart is that the whole community comes together in unity, because scriptures tell us when we are in unity that God commands a blessing on that,"Wooley said.
Sue Robins says she volunteers because she got help from food pantries as a child.
"I think growing up in hard times, I had to depend on pantries for my family [and] it's my way of giving back," Robins said.
Retired senior volunteer program director Wanda Gray says Johnston County is one of the most poor counties in the state of Oklahoma.
"Our low food access in Johnston County is about 31% of the total population, which is 18% higher than the national average and about 6% higher than the state's average," Gray said,"and the majority of those are seniors."
Gray says anyone who can help, should.
"I think people should get involved whether they are collecting can openers and donating to this facility, whether they drop off a dollar because every dollar really does count," She said.
Wooley says anyone in need can come to the pantry on Monday's and Tuesday from 4-6 or Thursdays from 9-noon.
The food pantry will host an open house on November 30 from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
