LOCAL MISSIONS

Olathe Food Pantry
Angel Tree
Via de Esperanza
Camp CUMCITO

Olathe Food Pantry

The Purpose of the Olathe Food Pantry is to provide aid, encouragement and support to members of the Greater Olathe Community in their times of need and crisis. This short-term aid is primarily for food, personal care items, and occasional emergency assistance.

The Goal of the Olathe Food Pantry is to be actively involved in the greater community by meeting the basic needs of people in crisis; to show the Christian Community in action by spreading God’s love and Word. This ministry includes encouraging people to attend their local church, delivering God’s message of salvation, and helping them strengthen their relationship with God.

The Olathe Food Pantry has been housed and administered by First Presbyterian Church of Olathe for over 30 years. A ministry of the Board of Deacons, the all-volunteer staff includes the Food Pantry Coordinator and trained helpers.

How the Food Pantry Meets Needs
The Food Pantry doors are open Monday thru Friday mornings, 9am—Noon. A trained volunteer greets clients as they arrive and asks basic data such as name, address, and the number of people in the household. The client must be a resident of the greater Olathe community, and present a photo ID. Help is available to anyone regardless of race, ethnicity, or religion.

Prepared sacks of grocery staples are then provided based on the number of people in the family, (approximately $20 worth for a family of 4), and the client may gather items such as breads, cakes, and perishables as they are available. Additionally, each family receives a booklet explaining the Gospel.

The Food Pantry receives referrals from local social service agencies and word of mouth. Clients may come to the Food Pantry up to six times per year.

How the Food Pantry is Supported
The Olathe Food Pantry is supported by several churches and organizations in the Olathe area. Support comes in various forms including direct financial giving and donations of food items. "Food Drives" provide much of our supply, and some food is acquired through Harvesters.

Contact the Food Pantry Ministry Team directly at olathefoodpantry@yahoo.com or leave a message at the church office, 913-782-0140.

How You Can Help:
Organize a Food Drive — such as one listed below or something else. The Food Pantry Coordinator has ideas.
Donate food — items always needed include canned fruit, vegetables, soups, and meats/meals; peanut butter; dry cereal, rice and pinto beans.
Donate money — remember, every dollar goes to help those in need
Donate time — we need help sorting, sacking, and distributing food. Training will be provided.

Church "Mountain of Food" Drives
Post Office "Stamp Out Hunger" —- Letter Carriers' Food Drive
City of Olathe Employees' Food Drive
Youth Groups/Sunday School classes collecting door to door
Eagle Scout Project — created flyers, recruited Cub Scouts to help
Girl Scout Unit—"Caroling for Cans" in December
Souper Bowl Parties

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Angel Tree When mom or dad is in prison, it's the children who do hard time.  But we can let them know they aren't forgotten.  Want to know more about Angel Tree Ministry and Prison Fellowship?  Click here.

Via de Esperanza Check out the new website for updates with this exciting Hispanic ministry which our church supports.  You can practice your Spanish, or click the English version. www.viadeesperanza.org

Camp C.U.M.C.I.T.O.* July 21-26, 2008 (*City Union Mission Camp In The Ozarks) For the past several years, First Pres has sent a group of volunteers to serve the week of Primary Camp (7-9 year-olds), and Tot Lot (4-6 year-olds).  For 2008, Primary Camp will be one day shorter than in years past.  We need at least 15 volunteers from our church to help staff the camp.  See Brian Belden for volunteer positions available and details about registration.  Also, talk with any former volunteers about this wonderful mission experience.  It's a five-day commitment from you that can make an eternal difference in the lives of the campers. Want to know more about Camp CUMCITO? click here