Methodist church’s little pantry is labor of love

by Michele Collins

A group of Sunday school students from the Independence United Methodist Church have created a little food pantry to help community members in need.

More than just helping others, it gives the children and their Sunday school teacher, Katrina Yeigh, a project that helps them in their mission work.

“We are always trying to find mission projects for the children to complete,” said Yeigh. “And this little pantry, inspired by the little library that was already at the church, helps people who need food.”

She said that her students, ages 6-18, first built the pantry itself, which is at the back of the church’s parking lot. It is about 4 feet by 3 feet, and is stationed on a post.

“They hammered the nails, they painted the pantry and they even helped dig the hole in the ground for the post,” said Yeigh.

She added that the idea of creating the pantry came from a discussion about people in need. “One of the students said that maybe we could help provide food for people in need and the idea kind of came from that.”

An earlier project at the church had been the building of a little library, a small box where people can take and leave books for free. These little libraries can be found across the country, and serve as a way for people to read and recycle used books.

The little pantry was an offshoot idea of that program, according to Yeigh, who has taught Sunday school at the church for almost 20 years.

She said the little food pantry opened on Nov. 27 with a prayer from UMC’s Pastor Lisa Thomas. Thomas said she is thrilled to see the Sunday school children create a project that has inspired the whole church. 

The children filled their new pantry with dry goods like pasta and cereal.

“We aren’t using canned goods right now because they might freeze,” said Yeigh.

She said she has seen some of her students check the pantry as they enter the church each week to see if items have been removed.

“They are so excited to see some of the food items are gone,” said Yeigh. “They immediately come to see me and ask if they can fill it back up.”

Members of the church community have filled about four boxes with food to help restock the pantry. But going forward, the group will need donations.

For anyone interested in donating food to the little pantry, contact Independence United Methodist Church at 216-524-6054, or stop by during office hours at the church, located at 6615 Brecksville Rd. “Or they are welcome to come to one of our church services and donate at that time,” said Yeigh.

photo caption-Sunday school students (l-r) Kenzi Melnykowski, Kassidy Melnykowski, Kody Melnykowski, Joey Waddell and Shawna Melnykowski help fill the Independence United Methodist Church Little Pantry. Photo submitted.