Thanks to some generous donations, the Peace Pantry in Cedar Hill was able to restock its shelves with food and reopen, after closing on May 5 for a few days, said Linda Schroeder, the pantry president.
It was a bad time for the food pantry to have to close since the demand for help is up because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The pantry, which serves about 225 local families, reopened the week of May 11 after receiving an anonymous donation of $40,000, as well as $3,500 in gift cards from another organization, Schroeder said.
She said many people also donated food following the closing.
Schroeder said the pantry also was short of volunteers, which contributed to the decision to close, but the Missouri National Guard came to the rescue.
“It’s a miracle,” she said. “They have really stepped up to the plate.”
Schroeder said the pantry typically has about 100 regular volunteers, but only about 20 have been working lately because of concerts about COVID-19.
She said three units of eight National Guard members have been helping the pantry.
“One day I had all three (units) there,” she said.
Schroeder said she got an email asking the pantry if help was needed, she replied and soon the National Guard showed up.
“They will do anything we ask them to do,” she said. “They have been loading groceries for people. They've been wiping off the carts for us before we bring them back in so they're safe. They stocked shelves.”
Despite the recent donations, the pantry is always looking for more donations, Schroeder said.
The pantry is specifically is seeking donations of corn, green beans, soup, hamburger helper, boxed meals, canned tuna and canned chicken.
Schroeder said the pantry, which is at 8100 S. Industrial Drive, is open Monday to Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. But, people may drop off donations off outside the door. For larger donations, thought, people may knock on the door.
The pantry serves parts of House Springs, Cedar Hill, Dittmer, Hillsboro, Eureka, Pacific, Catawissa and Robertsville.
She said those served at pantry may shop on Wednesday night and Thursday morning.
For more information about volunteering or becoming a client call 636-285-0934.
