Granite City Food Pantry Faces Challenge After Theft of Trailer
In Granite City, Illinois, the City Temple church has hit a bump in the road. Last week, the trailer used by their food pantry was stolen. This trailer is vital for collecting food from various sources in the region, and its disappearance has left the church community scrambling.
Pastor Sam Hart noticed something was wrong when the trailer wasn’t picked up for days. After contacting all the drivers, it became clear: the trailer had been stolen. He reported the theft to police on Christmas Eve, a day that should have been filled with joy and community spirit.
Debbie Wolfe, the pantry director, shared that their service is more necessary than ever. The pantry currently helps about 600 families each month—around 3,000 individuals in total. With the growing demand for food, having the trailer is crucial for efficiently transporting supplies. “We pick up from Costco and go to the Midwest Food Bank. Without our trailer, our operations are severely limited,” Wolfe explained.
For the past week, they’ve managed to keep the pantry running by using volunteer pickup trucks and a van. “It’s been a challenge; we’re just getting through it as best we can,” she said.
Interestingly, this incident has sparked discussions online about community support and the need for reliable transportation in food aid efforts. Many people on social media have expressed their shock at the theft and have offered help. A recent survey revealed that 70% of food pantries reported needing more transportation options to serve their communities better.
Despite the setback, both Pastor Hart and Wolfe remain hopeful. Wolfe emphasized their commitment: “We will find a way to keep our pantry stocked. The Lord will provide, and I have faith in that.”
The pantry operates on Mondays and Thursdays from 12-2 p.m., welcoming anyone in need, regardless of their circumstances. “Our goal is simple: just to provide food,” Wolfe said.
As they move forward, the church is asking anyone with information about the stolen trailer—white, unmarked, and plain—to contact the Madison County Sheriff’s Department.
With resilience and community support, the City Temple church plans to keep its doors open and continue serving those who rely on their food pantry.
For further insights on the impact of community food services, you can explore resources from Feeding America.
Source link
stolen,granite,city,kmov,news 4,first alert 4,watching out for you,ksdk,fox 2 now,ktvi
