NEW BALTIMORE, Mich. (WXYZ) — In this week's 7 In Your Neighborhood, we’re taking you to a church food pantry that is really making a difference in the New Baltimore community.
"In the gospel, we’re told that what we do to the least of our brothers and sisters, we do to Christ. We are here to fulfill that mission of serving him as we serve others,” said Father Charles White.
Father White is the Pastor at St. Mary Queen of Creation, the 150-year-old Catholic Church in downtown New Baltimore.
With a team of parishioners, Father White says they’re fighting hunger and strengthening their community.
"Last year, I had over 5,000 hours of volunteer work. I mean, that’s awesome!” said Rick Wirick, head of St. Mary’s food pantry. “I never run out of help here.”
Last year alone, they helped more than 3,000 people put food on their table.
“We have many families who have come to us for many years. A lot of disabled people, a lot of people who are just out of a job, down on their luck and we help anybody who walks through the door,” said volunteer Roseann Mauck.
“I’ve been here for seven years and every day is amazing,” Mauck said.
“It is family. We know their family, we know their children, their grandchildren, they know us,” said Mauck.
With help from an army of angels, the pantry is providing food, toiletries, canned goods, fresh produce and meat to those on a tight budget.
“Helps me when I don’t have money to go out and grocery shop,” Barb Motte, a pantry client.
“We go above and beyond and of course, nobody ever leaves here hungry,” said Wirick.
Any extra food is re-distributed.
“I share with other pantries to make sure nothing gets wasted.” said Wirick. “Breaks my heart to have to throw food away.”
The clients are very thankful for all the help from St. Mary Queen of Creation.
“If we have problems or anything. You can talk to anybody because this is a church and God is good,” said client Rhonda Johnson.
“This is important to me because it’s God’s calling,” said Wirick. “We have to use our gifts that were given to us.” If you need assistance, click here.
