A new local outreach aims to make a difference in the lives of community members who are starting over.

Fill the Cupboard, a ministry of Love In the Name of Christ of Greater Hancock County, is organized by New Hope Church of the Nazarene and is providing everyday household items to needy local families.

"The ministry sprouted after Love INC learned of Hancock County resident needs for items such as linens, dishware, and cookware when moving into a new home," said executive director Jim Peters.

The program targets those who have been released from jail, are moving out of homeless shelters, or have other special needs.

"They are moving out basically with their clothes but none of the other essentials to set up a home," Peters said.

Peters contacted New Hope Church pastor Josh Robertson to ask if his congregation would be interested in helping with the program.

Church members were looking for a way to make a difference in the community and thought Fill the Cupboard was the right fit.

They embraced the program and began donating household items and volunteered to help direct the ministry.

"We just want people to know that we are there for them as a church in their time of need," Robertson said.

Church member Phyllis Walker has been the driving force of the ministry, Peters said. The church has a wall of pantry space, and Walker helped to organize donations and has worked with the families who have utilized the program so far.

She's been attending the church for about four years and enjoys directing the program.

She feels helping is what she's supposed to do, Walker said.

"There's a lot of people out there who really don't have anything, for whatever reason," Walker said. "Anybody who has a roof over their head, heat, and running water is blessed."

The church pantry is filled with slow-cookers, pots and pans, sheets, blankets, bed spreads, coffee pots, dishes, glasses, and utensils.

So far, two families have visited the church for help, but Walker is hopeful that number will grow.

And the church will work to get families what they need. Walker was able to give one woman a coffee pot so she could brew coffee instead of using an instant mix, she cited as one example.

"It's a great ministry. It's just so neat," Walker said. "It's such a wonderful feeling to be able to help those people like we did."

Community members who need assistance from Fill the Cupboard can call Love INC, and the office can put them in touch with the church.

Peters said there aren't strict guidelines for qualifying to use the program. A Love INC employee will talk with the prospective client and figure out what he or she needs.

The church is also accepting donations. Those who would like to make a donation can contact Love INC, and the organization will put them in touch with New Hope.

"So far, the families the church has served have been very grateful," Walker said.

And helping with the program makes her feel closer to Jesus.

"My husband and I have had some really hard times," she said. "To be able to turn around now and help other people is really overwhelming."

HOW TO GET HELP

Needy Hancock County residents and families can visit the Fill the Cupboard ministry at New Hope of the Nazarene Church to pick up household items such as sheets, blankets, utensils, glasses, and pots and pans.

Contact Love INC's clearinghouse at (317) 468-6300 for more information. The clearinghouse is open from 9:30 a.m. to noon Monday through Friday.
--Reprinted with permission from the Greenfield Daily Reporter