by Allan Einboden, Waco Stake Communication Director
WACO, Texas — The cold, rainy weather didn’t dampen the spirits of the leaders and volunteers at two of Central Texas’ critical food pantries. Yesterday Caritas in Waco and CTLC in Temple received 12 pallets each of important staple foods just in time for the holidays.
The pandemic this year has forced many people to seek help from community organizations including food pantries in order to make it through the hard times. Both Caritas and CTLC have seen dramatic increases in demand for food support since the lockdowns in early spring.
“We find ourselves wondering how we are ever going to meet the needs of all the people applying for support, but somehow the Lord provides,” Chris Ballard said, director of Churches Touching Lives for Christ (CTLC).
Chris Price, president of the Waco Texas Stake, explained, “Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints fast for two meals monthly, donating the monies they would have spent for those meals to the Church. These funds are used to grow, process and package food in preparation to benefit those in need.
“As a faith community, we take seriously the example of and request from Jesus Christ to feed the hungry, clothe the needy, and serve our fellow man,” Price continued.
“At this time of great need, we are grateful to be able to supply over 40,000 pounds of food to help feed families in our area. We pray for the health and healing of all during the COVID-19 pandemic and those affected by the wildfires,” he said.