It’s a new year at Beaver Ridge, but first, let’s take a look back at where we have come from:

· I reviewed the statistics from the Food Pantry from 2012 to present day. In my early days, we operated out of the closet behind the kitchen in the Ed building, filling a standard box with food: 1 box of cereal, 2-3 cans of soup, 1 box of saltines, 1 jar of peanut butter, 2 cans of fruit, 1 box of macaroni and cheese, 1 cornbread mix, 1 pound of rice, 1 can (or bag) of beans, 1 can of chicken or tuna, 1-2 cans of vegetables, 1 pound of pasta, 1 can of spaghetti sauce, and 1 can of pasta with meat sauce. Quite a bit of food, but no real choice for the recipients.  A review of the monthly statistics (required by Second Harvest, our primary source of food) showed that the number of people being served was on a steady decline (roughly 2150 people in 2012, declining to as low as 800 people in 2021.

· Judy Shaw, Sharon Wagner and I put our dreaming hats on and envisioned something different:  modifying the pantry to a place where our clients could “shop”, picking out what they needed rather than receiving a standard box. At that time, the Ed building classroom area was largely used for storage. Scouts used the main room and a couple of Sunday School classes were held in the adjacent rooms.  Judy, Sharon and I requested to be able to expand the pantry into the double classroom down the hall, and were duly approved.  This was about the same time as when the asbestos tile in the Ed building was removed and new flooring installed….2021ish?  So we were able to occupy a double classroom with a beautiful new floor and freshly painted walls. Heavy duty shelves were purchased and assembled, existing cabinets were moved in, and an industrial refrigerator procured.

· For many years,  the Pantry was only open on Mondays from 1:00-2:00.  In order to reach more of the people in our community, it was decided to add a second option of Wednesday evenings from 6:30-7:30.

· With the larger storage area and the refrigerator, we were able to supplement the standard box food with other food, both from Second Harvest and other sources: gleaning from markets (May through Oct) and other Society of St Andrew drop offs, donations from area schools and organizations, plus the generous donations from our congregation.  We are truly blessed!

· In addition to providing a greater selection of food for our clients, Mary Hunt has spearheaded the effort of also providing  a selection of household items (cleaners, paper goods) and personal items (toiletries, hygiene), as well as pet food to our offerings.  A very welcome addition!

· All this said, let’s go back to our statistics.  From a low of 800 clients in 2021, we increased to 1270 in 2022, increased again last year to 2240 clients, and are projected to  have served over 3500 clients in 2023!

 

WELL DONE, BEAVER RIDGE!   It truly takes a village …. Or rather a service-oriented church community.  Thank you all for helping the Food Pantry grow! Jane Peabody has initiated a new source of gleaning for the Pantry, contacting local grocery stores to collect food that is routinely disposed of…discontinued items, items that are near the freshness date, etc.  If you are interested in helping Jane with this outreach, please let one of us know.  Her first result generated five large boxes of food: Taco mixes, tortillas, cookies, and crackers!

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I realize that this month’s column has already exceeded my normal allocation of length, but I wanted to update you on last month’s request for help in supporting Project Crossroads (in Marion, VA…where we support their community outreach three times a year).  With all the demands surrounding the hurricane Helene which slammed Southeast Virginia this fall, Project Crossroads’ dump trailer just about gave out.  BUT, due to the generosity of BRUMC, we were able to donate funds to purchase a new dump trailer AND to repair the hydraulics on the old trailer!    Again, well done!

One last thing.  Our Coat closet (which we open to Food Pantry clients on Mondays and Wednesdays) is sadly bare.  If you could, please sort through your closets and donate your unused coats (clean, please!).  We are especially in need of children's coats.

As many of you know, Dean is a creative poet, and embellishes our annual Christmas letter with his skill.  One of this year’s poem seem especially appropriate for this newsletter:

 

Listen to your legacy;  It’s calling out to you

For it colors the fabric of your life… And gives it texture too

Is your home all filled with laughter, Is your church overflowing with love

Do you provide the ways & the means,  Or do expect it like manna from above

As in the 10 talents,  God gives us the chance to prove

To do what is needed,  To join in his dance anew

He does not direct to bury them,  Whether skill or money or mind

But rather to invest them  And multiply them in kind

Life is really special;  It gives all of us a chance

With heart and soul,  Our talents enhanced

The opportunity to do Gods work, To have him at the dance

With why and when and yes the way, Is your legacy left to chance?

 

Blessings to all in this New Year!

Leslie Little, Missions Chair