Food pantry and donation center opens
by Lauren Lindstrom -- Blade Staff Writer
A new food pantry and clothing donation center opened its doors today with food and fellowship, in hopes of creating a culture of what organizers called “abundant sharing.”
The Marketplace for All People is a new program of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in downtown Toledo. It invites people to shop for food, clothing, and household items.
A long line of people snaked out the door today as people gathered to celebrate the pantry’s grand opening. After remarks from church leaders, U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D., Toledo), and people who have benefited from St. Paul’s programs, attendees got a tour of the shopping spaces and ate lunch together.
Marketplace coordinator Mark Staib said he was inspired by a similar program in Columbus, which allowed people to shop for the items they need rather than receive a standardized set of food or clothing items.
“We’re going to give the people the opportunity to shop like if they were at Walmart and get clothes that they might need,” he said.
Organizers said they hope those who use the Marketplace will pay it forward by donating their time or talents to help the program.
“The Marketplace is about the assets that everyone in this place has to share,” Pastor Mary Sullivan told those gathered. ”We find our hearts filled with God’s love and God’s grace whenever we share of ourselves in this way.”
The Marketplace will be open Fridays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. There are no eligibility stipulations, but photo identification is required.
For more information about the program or how to donate or volunteer, call the church at 419-243-8284.