The congregation at Cross United Methodist Church doesn’t fill the church up on Sundays. But with only about 13 members, they are filling up is a tiny food pantry outside of their church available to anyone who needs it 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
“The idea is just to do what we can to reach as many people as we possibly can. And give it with love from our hearts, and hopefully, prayerfully, it will reach those that really need it,” said Pastor Walter Pegues. “In this day and time, we need to give back to let people know that there are some people in this world that still have the idea to give as we have been given too.”
An old newspaper rack, and bookshelf, that have been refurbished with fresh paint and lettering serves as the pantry that sits outside of the fellowship hall of the church. It is filled with non-perishable goods and bottled water available to anyone any time they need it.
“I have always had a passion for a food pantry,” said church member Susan Gossett, who spearheaded the pantry after learning about another church in Morganton that did the same thing. “This is a great way for those who may be embarrassed to go other places to get food. They can come and take what they need and no one has to know.”
She and the church also hope the pantry will spark donations from the community, organizations and businesses to keep the food boxes filled up at all times.
“We do need help with supplies, but no matter what God will supply our need. We hope there will be a lot more involvement,” said Gossett.
Although the pantry is anonymous, a grateful person who benefitted from the food recently left a note for the church that said, “I’m homeless. Thank you so much. This means so much to me. God bless.”
For anyone wanting to donate, bring your items by the pantry located at 85 West Cross Street in Marion. For a larger donation, folks can call Susan at 442-8098 or Johnny Patton at 460-9257. Service at the church begins at 9 a.m. each Sunday.
“We ask the community to pray for us and pray for the success of this adventure. We are coming into a season where there is going to be a lot needed. We have a lot going on in McDowell County that a lot of people are not aware of,” said Pegues. “I think this will help in many cases to relieve some of the pressure and some of the pain that folks will have to deal with.”
