O’Fallon Salvation Army Food Pantry Needs Donations, Volunteers

On Friday mornings, James Porterfield heads to the  food pantry, where he fills his canvas shopping bag with weekly essentials including, milk, bread and vegetables.

“I really only come up for stuff I need,” Porterfield said as he waited in line. “I never take more than what I need.”

Like many others, Porterfield has struggled to find work in the flailing economy. In the past two years, he’s lost two jobs and had to move in with his brother when he couldn’t afford his rent.

Now, although he works at a local grocery store, money is still tight for Porterfield, who is looking for a second job and hopes to attend school to become a paramedic.

“The one thing I realize is, no matter what the situation, if you think it’s bad, it’s not as bad as you think it is, because God’s not going to give you something you can’t handle,” he told O’Fallon Patch.  

Porterfield said he is determined and will keep looking for jobs and saving to go to school. But for now, he is thankful to the Salvation Army food pantry for helping him get back on his feet.

“The Salvation Army is a good place and good people,” he said. He added that volunteers are always helpful and quick with a smile or joke.

In the past year, more St. Charles County families have taken advantage of the Salvation Army’s food service than ever before. 

Porterfield said he’s noticed the lines growing longer as more people seek help putting food on the table.  

“I can understand,” he said, “The economy’s bad, and jobs are hard to find.”

About a year ago the O’Fallon Salvation Army food pantry served approximately 45 families each month. Last month, the pantry served 588 families.

Salvation Army Communications Specialist Danni Eickenhorst said the increase in the number of hungry families is a function of the economy. She added many of the people coming in for help are asking for a handout for the first time in their lives.

“It’s people who may be living in a nice house, but are hungry on the inside,” she said.

To continue effectively meeting the needs of St. Charles County residents, the O’Fallon Salvation Army is asking the community for help.  

The pantry is in continuous need of food donations and monetary donations. Donations of nonperishable food items can be delivered to 1 William Booth Dr. in O’Fallon during regular business hours.

Volunteers are also needed to work at the food pantry to assist in loading and distribution of boxes, as well as sorting of goods.

Randy Carlson, of O’Fallon, said he’s been volunteering at the pantry almost every day of the week since April 2009.

“It feels better inside, just doing something out of the kindness of your heart,” he said as he prepared boxes of food for people waiting in line. “When you’re helping someone who may have less than you, that makes you feel like a better person.”

Volunteers must be able to stand for long periods of time and should be able to lift at least 30 pounds.

The O’Fallon Salvation Army is in need of at least four more volunteers who can commit at least two days to the food pantry.

For more information on how to help, call case manager Celia Buerman at 636-240-4969 ext. 238.