Summary: Dalton Presbyterian Church is responding to tough economic times by opening a food pantry, hoping to help those in the community who are struggling. They welcome donations of nonperishable food and personal hygiene products.
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We have plenty of food in this country, said Pastor Doug Hagler of Dalton Presbyterian Church. There is no reason for people to go hungry. And with the opening of its new food pantry, his church is doing its best to ensure that they wont.
Hagler said he began to see the need for a food pantry at his church when the number of people calling to request assistance climbed sharply this year. Some of the calls came from as far away as Canton and Millersburg, and many of the callers didnt meet the qualifications for other food pantries.
So I thought maybe this was a trend, Hagler said. I realized it would be easier if we just had some food here, rather than trying to respond to each situation individually. Hagler put a request in the church announcements for donations and the very next morning a family arrived with an armload of food to donate.
This kept happeningpeople started bringing food every few days, and some of them were not even members of our church. Its the biggest response Ive had to anything weve done in the two years Ive been here, Hagler said. It is obvious people are passionate about this. Now we have the foodthe challenge is finding people to give it to!
Haglers wife Pam is part of the outreach group at Dalton Presbyterian that is heading up the pantry. People have been very generous in the church and community, she said. Were hoping that the people who need it will find out about it. Its a learning process for us, she said.
Pastor Hagler said the church has no formal requirements for recipients. We simply talk to them. They are looking to network with other local food pantries and fill in the gaps. One couple they helped, for example, was new to the area and didnt meet the residency requirements of some pantries.
The last Saturday of each month has been designated as an open day for the food pantry between the hours of 9 a.m. and noon. People in need of assistance are also welcome to make an appointment or stop by anytime Hagler is in the office.
Dalton Presbyterian Church welcomes donations of any nonperishable food that you would eat, Hagler said. Paper and hygiene products are also needed, especially since food stamps do not always cover non-food items.
Hagler said the church has been looking for new ways to meet needs in the community. Weve begun having more of a focus on mission and outreach. Were figuring it out as we gofinding where people have passion and needs and connecting people. Their Memorial Day service this year was one successful example. Upcoming events include a Christmas Eve cantata and New Years Eve party.
Haglers vision for feeding the hungry extends beyond his own church walls. I would like to see as many area churches as possible stock enough food for four people for one week, he said. It is empowering for churches to be able to do something to help the hungry in our community.
I have trouble thinking small." He grinned. My hope is that we get in over our heads, and that it just becomes a thing that we do. Having tons of ministry to do is a problem I want.
Its a blessing to help people, Pam Hagler added.
To request assistance or make a donation to the food pantry at Dalton Presbyterian Church, call the church at 330-828-2144 or stop in during office hours, 9 a.m. to noon Monday, Thursday and Friday. The pantry is also open the last Saturday of the month from 9 a.m. to noon. For more information, visit http://mydpc.org.
