The WhereHouse food ministry, operated by the Urbana United Methodist Church with the help of partnering churches and organizations, received more than $18,000 in donations contributed by worshippers at the church’s two Christmas Eve services.
Ted Herndon, director of the WhereHouse, said the contributions will help fund the 2017 food budget of the WhereHouse, which in 2016 provided food to a duplicated total of 4,451 families and 10,775 family members through the pantry’s monthly distributions.
The Christmas Eve offerings will provide food for 2,710 families in 2017. Herndon added that additional support from a community network of more than a dozen partnering churches, foundation grants and local businesses and service groups will help more than an additional 1,700 families.
“In addition, we’re able to stretch our budget, thanks to generous pricing from Steve’s Markets, Save-a-lot, Kroger, WalMart and Second Harvest Food Bank of Clark County,” Herndon said. “We are truly blessed in our community by a caring network of support to help local families in need.”
In addition to the monetary support, volunteers from local churches help staff the WhereHouse.
The WhereHouse ministry – “Where God’s love meets practical needs” – was founded in 2004 to help provide for the monthly nutritional needs of individuals and families on limited incomes. Since 2013, the WhereHouse has operated at 110 W. Church St., across the street from the church.
