Food pantry gifts

The seminary family expresses its sincere thanks to those who donated food and funds for our student food pantry. In what has become an annual event, a food-laden delivery truck pulled into the seminary on Tuesday evening. The truck and its crew of volunteers had begun their long journey in Michigan earlier that day. They made stops at congregations in the Northern, Southeastern, and Southwestern Conferences of the Michigan District picking up cargo as they went. They were met here by members of the seminary family who unloaded non-perishable food items, paper products, cleaning supplies, and other household items all destined for the married student food pantry. In addition, over $7,170.25 in cash was also delivered. The food pantry manager will use these funds to buy gift cards at a local supermarket for our student families to use for meat, produce, and other perishable items.

The truck was a welcome sight for our students. The food bank helps bridge the gap for many of them as they balance everyday living expenses and the costs of schooling.

While the Michigan District effort is by far the largest single contribution received by the food pantry, it is worth noting that many others give generously to this effort. Throughout the year we receive gifts of food and non-perishable items, as well as cash donations, from various circuits of the Lutheran Women’s Missionary Society, congregational food drives, and individuals. Thank you!

Student families are very appreciative of the loving generosity shown by God’s people during these challenging economic times. John Raasch, coordinator of the pantry, noted, “We want to thank everyone who gave so freely. Such a large and generous donation is humbling and we are glad to know that it will provide help for so many for quite a while.”