Sharon Brewer, Director of Community of Gratitude’s Food Emergency Foodbank, sends this special thank you, applauding the members of Trinity Lutheran Church for the constant flow of food and other product contributions over the past year. In September, the food bank supported 1,182 individuals, and the numbers continue to grow. She states, “there will be a little help from the Temporary Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP),” but the amount has not yet been determined. Sharon says, “every little bit helps” and she added that, “without food donations, we would not be able to open the doors three days a week, and Trinity is our largest donor.”
On November 15, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m., there will be a fundraiser at the Ocklawaha Moose Lodge, 6485 S. HWY 314A, to help raise awareness of the plight of food needs in the local area. There will be raffles, food, and music. You may even meet someone new!! Sharon says, “any and all help will be greatly appreciated.” No donation is too small! The Community of Gratitude staffing is currently stable, but an overwhelming number of volunteers are ageing and the need for replacements is growing. Couples are welcome and anyone can handle the work as the “heavy lifting” is left to the strong, the young, and the “slightly older men.” Work will increase as the holidays approach and even one shift of two hours per week would greatly help. The facility is open each Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. to noon; Thursdays from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.; and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to noon.
We thank all those who supported the “Bring a can of food with you to church” program. We are now in the beginning stages of the “Holiday Walmart Gift Card” campaign. We did a great job last year, and I challenge you all to contribute even more so we may surpass last year’s contributions. Please pass by the area in the Narthex and get on the 2026 sign-up list for a one-month obligation of one delivery per week during the selected period. Each week, the volunteer(s) staffing this weekly position will deliver our food contributions directly to their door.
We would like to thank the church leadership, the volunteers, and the congregation, as after five years of leading the church’s C o G food assistance program, it’s now time to pass the torch to another dedicated volunteer. We will retire at the end of December.
Blessings,
Jim and Nancy Steinmark