Pictured above from left: Emily Clark, Cheryl Duncan, Rev. James Wheeler
Since in the fall of 2012, the Helping Hands Food Pantry has been serving the needs of the Cushman area. In February, the organization, an outreach of the Cushman United Methodist Church, moved to its current home on the former Cushman School Campus.
The food pantry is open every Tuesday between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Each family served may pick up food once a month. A photo ID is required on the first visit. There are no income or area restrictions. Volunteer Emily Clark told White River Now that the pantry serves between 60 to 80 families per month.
Volunteer Cheryl Duncan said the pantry is entirely staffed by volunteers with an average of four volunteers working each Tuesday.
Rev. James Wheeler said the pantry’s current location is large enough to serve its needs, and the group is thankful to the city of Cushman for their generosity.
“Two years ago, the city of Cushman…the council thought that it would be a good idea to have a chili supper and a pie auction and a silent auction to raise money for the food pantry,” said Rev. Wheeler. “That raised enough money for us to operate for about a year and a half on.”
Wheeler said an upcoming fundraiser, in the form of a yard and bake sale, is set for Friday, Sept. 13, between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., and Saturday, Sept. 14, from 7 a.m. until 3 p.m. It will be held at the Cushman Community Center.
Wheeler said the Helping Hands Food Pantry is a non-profit, and funds are always a concern. “We have been able to stay open because of the generosity of others,” Wheeler said.
To listen to a visit with Clark, Duncan, and Wheeler about the Helping Hands Food Pantry, click below. For more information on the pantry or to donate, please call (870) 793-7461.
