Ministerial Alliance attends festival
The Farmington Ministerial Alliance was one of more than 100 non-profit organizations to recently attend the “Festival of Sharing” in Sedalia. The festival is an annual state-wide, inter-faith ingathering event sponsored by faith communities throughout the state.
The festival was a cooperative response to world hunger, poverty, and injustice and seeks to address and raise awareness of its root causes and solutions. During the event, churches from across the state donate gifts of non-perishable foods, personal care items, school supplies, dental kits, blankets, baby items and other much needed supplies to be distributed to agencies and programs that serve those in need.
“We were blessed to be invited to participate in the festival this year” said Laura Raymer, Director of Benevolence for the Farmington Ministerial Alliance.
“The amount of resources gifted to the participating agencies and the outpouring of support from over 28 denominations was overwhelming. When I walked into the fairgrounds arena and saw the army of volunteers and the thousands of pounds of food and resources, it absolutely took my breath away to know that the lives of so many individuals and families were going to be touched by the outpouring of gifts,” she continued.
As a participating organization, the Ministerial Alliance received more than 2,500 pounds of beans, rice and potatoes along with thousands of dollars worth of other much-needed items for food pantry clients.
“We are currently serving over 700 individuals per month and most of those gifts have already been given to our very appreciative clients. We really couldn’t have made this trip possible without the generous support of our sponsors,” said Raymer. “Sam Scism Ford Lincoln Mercury and First State Community Bank both were a big part of making this trip a reality. We are very thankful to have wonderful corporate partners who understand the desperate need in our community and are willing to step up and make a difference.”
The Farmington Ministerial Alliance Food Pantry is located at 1101 Ste. Genevieve Ave. and accepts tax-deductible donations of food, personal care items, paper products and money. Hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to noon. The Thrift Store, which is used to support the efforts of the food pantry, is located inside The Factory.
To find out how to help or sponsor a food drive at your church, business or school, contact Raymer at 756-1917.
