From Barbara J. Powell
To the Editor:
The Helping Hand food pantry served 625 Wetzel County families made up of 2,060 individuals during the first six months of 2014.
The food pantry, established over 30 years ago, is operated by volunteers from several New Martinsville churches. Those churches are providing cash assistance, food donations and/or volunteers, include: First Baptist Church, Immanuel Baptist Church, New Martinsville Church of God, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Saint Ann’s Episcopal Church, Lighthouse Community Church, First Presbyterian Church, and New Martinsville United Methodist Church.
Funding and/or food donations are also received from individuals, groups, and businesses.
Mary Toth, board of directors president, states that the pantry has seen a continued rise in the number of families being served due to area economic conditions and increased food costs.
The food pantry is open each Thursday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. It is located at the rear of Mason Hearing Center on North Street in New Martinsville.
Persons, groups, or businesses wishing to make cash donations to the pantry may send checks to Mrs. Connie Ferrell, 348 Monroe Avenue, New Martinsville. Donations of non-perishable food items may be left at the pantry on Thursdays.
Sincerely,
Barbara J. Powell,
Publicity Chairman