The People’s Pantry
at Zion Evangelical, Tamaqua
Arlene Derr-Davis and her husband, Carter, maintain the People’s Pantry ministry at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church.
Submitted By George Taylor of Zion, Tamaqua
“Sometimes people are waiting for me when I come to stock the People’s Pantry. They'll stand on the corner or wait up the hill until I'm done. I've found that with time, I often get to talk to some of the regulars, and they are so grateful for what we're doing at Zion. I think they are surprised that they are treated with respect. Some are raising grandchildren; some have pets (dogs, cats) they've had for years and are considered “family.”
An older woman in a wheelchair said she is so grateful because she can't get to the store in winter, but she can get to our food box. A young man who comes to the pantry is so respectful and only takes two items. When he comes, he sometimes brings his dog. He thanks me when I see him because I always put zip lock bags of dog food and cat food in the pantry. His dog is all he has. A woman with a family of six comes and only takes three things. I know the family has a cat, so I always give her zip lock bags of cat food.
Taking care of the food pantry is sometimes sad, but it’s also rewarding. There are so many in our community who come to our food box and not always to take from it. We have people who regularly donate food even though they are on fixed incomes themselves. They feel like I do, that it's what God wants us to do. If it wasn't for people donating and bringing food, I could never stock the pantry three times a week. Thank you for your support.”
Thank you, Zion, for your story
Zion, Tamaqua
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