Violet Township We Are Pickerington Food Pantry

The PCMA Food Pantry of Pickerington was founded more than 30 years ago by local churches dedicated to providing emergency food assistance to families in need residing within the Pickerington Local School District.

The pantry’s former home was in the basement of the Carnegie Building. In March 2012, the pantry moved to a larger site at 70 Cross St., where it continues to provide service to an increasing number of clients. It’s staffed by more than 70 volunteers and one part-time director.

Clients of the food pantry range in age from infants to seniors. Some visit our pantry occasionally while others require a greater helping hand after suffering a debilitating illness or loss of employment. All have reached a point in their lives when they need a helping hand to assist them in this basic need of food. The food pantry extends that hand of support in a kind, respectful manner, offering food and encouragement.

The holidays are a particularly difficult time of year for our clients. We offer special assistance by providing Thanksgiving and Christmas meal baskets. These bas-

By Susan Hite, food pantry representative

kets are assembled by local churches, civic groups and community organizations. Clients are especially appreciative of the kindness shown them during the holidays.

Community support is the lifeline of the food pantry. Individuals and organizations have cared for the food pantry in a variety of ways. Many want to know how they can help. Here’s how you can be a supporting member of this community effort:

Donate Your Time!

Time commitments can be as little as a few hours a month or as many as you can share! All really make a difference!

• Work in our food pantry: Sort and shelve food for distribution, assist with unloading and stocking of deliveries.

• Assist clients with shopping: Sign up for work during client hours, help register clients, act as a shopping guide.

• Work in our office: Answer telephones, assist with data entry, help with mailings.

• Organize a food drive: A perfect opportunity for schools, churches and civic groups. Collected donations may be dropped off during client hours or call for a special delivery.

• Donate fresh produce from your garden: Drop off donations during client hours.

Donate Money!

Your tax-deductible contributions are essential to maintaining our food sources and housing them in a place accessible to clients.

• Checks and cash donations are accepted year-round and are tax-deductible. Make checks payable to PCMA Food Pantry of Pickerington, P.O. Box 914, Pickerington, OH 43147.

• Support us during our annual Plaza of Lights campaign, through Dec. 31.

• Make a donation through payroll deduction at your place of employment. Call us for important information.

Remember us in your prayers!

70 Cross St., Pickerington, OH 43147

Phone: 614-834-0079

Client Hours: Mondays, 6:30-8:30 p.m.; Thursdays and Saturdays, 10 a.m.-noon