The need is growing, and more and more people stop by the pantries every week to pick up meals. As much as we hope this would not be the case, the reality of people’s situations dictates otherwise.
Thankfully, more people support our mission to provide meals to hungry neighbors, too. Each time we ask for help, neighbors step up. I am grateful that we live in a special place with generous caring neighbors, people who are never shy about helping those in need.
The most recent example was from a few weeks ago. We are excited to report the results from the FeedingTeam.org first “Choo Choo Chew” train bingo fundraising event. Almost 80 brave souls joined a dozen volunteers on Oct. 13 for a train ride from Noblesville’s Hobbs Station to Atlanta where we disembarked, feasted on a mega-sized charcuterie board, and spent the next 90 minutes playing Bingo for prize baskets valued up to $800 donated for this inaugural event. Thank you to all the sponsors, donors, volunteers, train staff, and riders who made the evening a great success. FeedingTeam.org raised over $7,000 to purchase food for neighbors here in Hamilton County.
Now that the holiday season is in full swing let’s spend a few minutes reflecting on those in need in our county. We could write the next dozen columns describing examples of people who shop, donate and volunteer with us. Here is one current example:
A few weeks ago, we had the opportunity to speak at the Sheridan Kiwanis meeting. That evening, one of the members told the story of observing an older woman shopping at a pantry as he watched. He described what he saw as this frail lady gingerly picked through a pantry, selected two cans of food, and slowly walked away clutching them tightly to her body as if they were precious to her survival, which they may have been. It’s not our place or purpose to know her story. We exist to be a food source to neighbors. Her story, and similar ones, happen behind the scenes every week at dozens of pantries right here in Hamilton County.
This holiday season, as we celebrate the blessings in our lives, as we make memories with family and friends, please take a moment and remember our neighbors that are less fortunate and those that are in need. In the spirit of the season, consider a selfless act of kindness to our neighbors. Thank you.
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With over 47,000 food-challenged neighbors in Hamilton County, FeedingTeam.org is a registered 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that provides outdoor 24/7/365 no-questions-asked free food pantries throughout the county.
The pantries exist to meet the food insecurity needs of gap families, neighbors who may not qualify for public assistance and could use a few meals before payday. The pantries serve as many food-challenged neighbors as possible, and our hearts are with those who, like my family, could not always make ends meet.
Thank you for supporting the pantries. We love serving with so many neighbors across Hamilton County. In future columns, we will share more stories about how your generosity served neighbors in times of need. The face of hunger in Hamilton County is not what you may think.
In practical terms, this straightforward way to help neighbors is having real impact on lives, families, and our communities. Thank you. A few meals can change the course of a person’s life. A can of green beans means so much more when you have nothing to feed your kids.
Would you like to get involved? Volunteer opportunities are available. We are evaluating new pantry locations. If you think you have a potential location, please contact us.
Mark and Lisa Hall are the Founders of Feeding Team. They may be reached at lisa@feedingteam.org and mark@feedingteam.org or by calling (317) 832-1123.