Behind the Marengo United Methodist Church sits the Angel’s Food Pantry and God’s Closet– the organizations’ objective– to, “Serve the community through the love of Christ.”

In light of their mission, the UMC organizations provide a box of groceries and free clothing to those who visit the pantry and clothes closet.

The organizations have even been able to donate holiday gift baskets, vouchers and gift cards to the area needy when supplies allow.

However, as of late interest in the community outreach programs has waned.

Donation and participation numbers are down from previous years, and the Marengo United Methodist Church is trying to find out why that is.

According to the most recent Ohio Poverty Report from the Ohio Development Services Agency, 13.4 percent of people in Morrow County are considered to live in poverty.

A substantial enough portion of the population to garner support for donation programs designed to help the needy, church personnel believes.

“Our goal is to provide tangible support to those in need,” sated Church nurture care coordinator, Grace Wiley. “If the community does not require this assistance, then we need to evaluate how to better serve those in our area.”

Currently, the Food Pantry provides assistance to those in the Highland School District, but has been considering expanding their outreach to additional areas in need.

Those outside the school district who visit the pantry, are directed to their local pantry and given support materials of opportunities in Morrow County, along with a box of food.

Angel’s Food Pantry is open Saturdays from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., except for the first Saturday of the month.

Courtesy photo Clothes line the hallway and closet space in ‘God’s Closet’ at the Marengo United Methodist Church.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2016/05/web1_Free-Clothes.jpgCourtesy photo Clothes line the hallway and closet space in ‘God’s Closet’ at the Marengo United Methodist Church.

Courtesy photo Donations go out to those in need at Angel’s Food Pantry at the Marengo United Methodist Church.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2016/05/web1_Angel-s-Food-Pantry.jpgCourtesy photo Donations go out to those in need at Angel’s Food Pantry at the Marengo United Methodist Church.

By Zach Jones

[email protected]

Reach Jones at 419-946-3010 ext. 1803