History

Neighbors Helping Neighbors

History Of Our Food Pantry

Text Box: It all started in the 1980’s when God touched the heart and mind of Sylvia Wynveen to speak with her pastor, who at that time was Pastor Chuck Meyers. Sylvia realized that it was unique in having so many different type churches in the community and surrounding areas and the possibility of working together in common goals of Christian love. Pastor Meyers presented the idea to many different churches in the area to find out if there was an interest in all working together as a team to spread the love of Christ. The end result was a wonderful group of individuals representing St Dennis Church, St John Vianney Church, St Joseph Church, Sheppard of the Hill Lutheran Church, First United Congregational Church and United Methodist Church of Lockport. The group was formed and called The Lockport Ecumenical Action Committee. And action it was, the group got involved in so many different areas of helping people from the Crisis Line of Joliet, driving seniors to doctor appointments, enforcement of curfew problems with the Lockport Police Department, gasoline vouchers for people in need, and last but not least the formation of the Lockport Food Pantry. The first food pantry was set up at St Joseph’s Church rectory basement. After time with the growth of the food pantry we needed more space. We made a move to the United Methodist Church of Lockport, where a new pantry was built by the church people with shelving and easy access. Once again with the growth of the food pantry we were forced to find another home. With God’s guidance the ministry center of the First United Church of Christ be came available in 1999, and that is our home today. The food pantry is and has been involved in many other areas than just food. As a Christian based group it was our responsibility to not only help with their food needs but other services. We had a teacher who made herself available to help clients write resumes to either get into the work force or obtain a better job. We also made up Thanksgiving gift baskets and delivered to their homes. . We provided clothing that we solicited from the various churches. We worked with the Lockport Township Supervisor Office referring request for things such as assistance with gas and electric bills that we were not able to help with. Our focus was to be an organization that would help people get on their feet, if unemployed provide a means as an emergency measure for those who just didn’t have enough from paycheck to paycheck. We developed our own system not only to help people short term but would remain a “helper” to them when needed. Now we are faced with new challenges. With the economy in the state it is today, outrageous gasoline prices, people losing homes and jobs our food pantry is serving more people than ever. We have made many changes in the last couple years. In our buying habits. We purchase a lot from the Illinois Food Bank but often they don’t have what we need. As a result our volunteers and Board of Stewards are constantly looking to get the best value for our money. We have been able to buy a lot of our food at wholesale prices, and with the growth in Lockport more retail stores have opened enabling us to compare prices. With God’s help and guidance, our great contributors and volunteers we will succeed.