By Lindsay Doty
Every Saturday, a small army of effervescent volunteers at Messiah Lutheran Church in Brownsburg carefully box up a list of pantry staples that are handed out to families in need via drive-up service.
The church food pantry that began in 2001 serves more than 2,000 Hendricks County families a year.
Church volunteer Jon Jordan, who works behind-the-scenes, says they do around 30 food boxes each week to help hungry families.
“The need usually goes up in the winter months. November and December it’s 70 to 80 boxes,” said Messiah Lutheran Church pantry volunteer Jon Jordan.
To help replenish the pantry shelves, the Town of Brownsburg is holding the annual Let’s Give Food Drive so area families can keep meals on the table.
Starting Nov. 2, community members are invited to drop off canned and boxed non-perishable items at the Brownsburg Parks Administrative Office, 402 E. Main Street, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays through Nov. 25. Masks are required to enter the building.
“We’re proud to help keep food on the shelves during the holiday months,” said Town Manager Jeffery A. Eder.
The yearly food drive (that used to be held at town hall) collected 5,000 items last year, from stacks of peanut butter jars to rows of canned soup.
“It’s heartwarming. It gives you a good feeling because you know there is a community that is very supportive. It’s overwhelming how much food we get,” said Jordan.
“The Messiah Lutheran Church food pantry is so very thankful for the support we receive every year from the Town of Brownsburg and the caring folks of our town,” said Jordan.
Brownsburg volunteers plan to box up and deliver the donations to the church on Nov. 30.
With 2020 being such a challenging year for everyone, organizers say it’s a chance for community members to help out by donating.
“Helping to maintain the food pantry during the COVID-19 pandemic is a responsibility we share as a community. We need to come together and make access to food a priority this holiday season,” said Shelby Abner, community engagement coordinator with Brownsburg.
Let’s Give Food Drive:
Where: Drop off items at Brownsburg Parks Administrative Office, 402 E. Main Street, f
When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays, Nov. 2 through 25.
Masks are required to enter the building.
What: Canned goods and boxed non-perishable items. Check expiration dates.
