Whenever we give out a bag of food or hand someone a plate of food, we have an opportunity to not only satisfy their physical needs but also their spiritual needs as well. That’s why the food bank and soup line ministries are so important to the Hope Center. These two ministries give us an opportunity to help people physically and financially and allows us to talk to them spiritually. This week we have been blessed by various groups and individuals donating much needed food for our pantry.

Keeping our pantry stocked is so vital to many of the ministries that we have here at the Hope Center. We have residents that are fed three meals a day. In addition to that, we serve two free meals every day to anyone in the community who is hungry or needs a nice, warm meal. Along with our food service ministry, we also participate in the Washington County food bank program. Any person or family needing a bag of food will be able to pick one up at our facility.

So when you, your family, civic club, church, school or office collect food you are helping to feed possibly hundreds to thousands of people a year! It’s an incredible thought when you realize the impact that a canned food drive can have on the lives of hungry people in our community.

Rick (center) helps Harold (left) and Robbie (right) unload crates of food donated by students at Heritage Academy.

On Thursday, Heritage Academy (www.heritage-academy.net)  delivered food to the Hope Center from a food drive that they held at their school. The food was brought to the Hope Center by teacher Harold Miles and student Robbie Martin. The private academy collected 213 cans and 80 boxes of food for the Hope Center! It’s so great to see young people taking an active role in helping their community and giving to those in need.

We are so thankful for schools like Heritage Academy for helping us reach the less fortunate in our community. We would have a tough time keeping our shelves stocked and food bags filled without everyone in our community working together to help us fight hunger.

If you would like to have a food drive at your school, church or organization please contact us at 301.739.1165 or email us at hagerstownrescue@verizon.net.