Collecting for God’s Pantry

— Arvest Bank is collecting monetary donations and nonperishable food items for God’s Pantry now through Nov. 3 at area Arvest locations.

Arvest Bank’s 1 Million Meals campaign challenges bank associates, customers and communities alike to help fight hunger.

Residents can help support God’s Pantry by dropping off nonperishable food items or purchasing a 1 Million Meals paper plate for $1 at the Arvest branch in Pea Ridge or calling 866-952-9523 to contribute.

Every dollar raised provides the equivalent of five meals for hungry families and directly benefits thehungry in Garfield, Gateway and Pea Ridge.

“This food and fund drive comes at an ideal time, as we prepare for our busiest time of the year, the holiday season. No child should go hungry in America,” said Pattie Gardner, president at God’s Pantry.

God’s Pantry was founded when a few women discovered that there were children in the area who did not have food to eat from the time they left school on Friday until school began on Monday.

There are numerous elderly in the area who struggle each day with transportation and finances to continue to fill the cupboards.

God’s Pantry began with proceeds from a rummage sale in the amount of $86 and have sinced moved to a larger facility to house the items needed to cover the community’s growing needs. It now serves 60 - 75 families each week, operates a thrift store to assist in paying expenses, distributes USDA foods to clients and purchases food from a local food bank, strictly from donations.

To volunteer or donate good used clothes or furniture, call and leave a message.

For information about 1 Million Meals, visit arvest.com/millionmeals.

Church, Pages 2 on 09/19/2012