Volunteers Keep Food Pantry Stocked and Social

Published August 2017: The Messenger

Volunteers Keep Food Pantry Stocked and Social

Article Excerpt: 

While the stock of food fluctuates at the on-site food pantry at St. Augustine’s in Belleville, the volunteers are always constant. Every Tuesday and Friday, senior helpers stock shelves, pack bags full of non-perishable food, milk, and eggs while sorting donated fruits and vegetables in their spare time.

Approximately 15 to 18 parishioners volunteer their time, serving about 50 people who come to the window adjacent to the garage attached to the parish rectory each week. On a typical Friday morning, Clete Blaes makes conversation with a Belleville resident seeking groceries to feed her family.

“We’ve grown to have a personal relationship with many of the people,” said Blaes. “It feels good to volunteer.”

Read the rest of the story HERE