After casting election ballots at the end of a long day at work, people may feel a desire to fill their stomachs with something delicious.
The Crossroads Distribution Center, Inc., a food pantry in Poplarville, will be open serving up a plate of goodies at their 5th annual Election Day fundraiser.
Not only will folks fill their bellies, they will also be contributing to a worthy cause.
The food pantry was established in 2006 by Buddy and Jean Giddens and is a non-profit faith based organization.
“We receive no government funding and our operation relies solely on donations and volunteers,” director Sharon Bonnecarrere said.
The food pantry serves clients in the Mississippi River, Ford’s Creek, White Sand and Henleyfield locations. In September 2013, the pantry served about 76 households and this September they served more than 134.
Because Crossroads is not government funded, the only criteria is that beneficiaries reside in the service area, Bonnecarrere said.
“We always open with a prayer and several of our clients attend local churches,” Bonnecarrere said.
She said Byrd’s Chapel United Methodist Church donates money. They would welcome involvement from other organizations.”
The food pantry is open every second Wednesday and hands out groceries to those in need.
Grocery items include meats, canned goods, bread and dry goods.
At times, Crossroads receives clothing which is given out as well, Bonnecarrere said.
“We have provided help to people when their homes have burned and home deliver food to our five home bound clients,” Bonnecarrere said. “We have helped people find jobs and referred two clients to local health clinics after the results of our first health screening in April revealed a possible health problem.”
Today, Crossroads is holding a dinner, bake sale and raffles.
A dinner plate is $8 and includes grilled chicken (white or dark meat), potato salad, green beans, roll and dessert.
Raffle tickets will be sold for a chance to win a Coach handbag, valued at about $300, and a $400 gift card to Academy Sports and Outdoors.
The cost of one raffle ticket is $1 or six tickets can be purchased for $5.
There will be many items up for grabs during the silent auction including a New Orleans Saints plate, an LSU cooler and two pounds of Mississippi State University cheese.
The bake sale will feature a variety of home baked treats.
“It’s a good feeling being able to give back and carry out what God instructed us to do,” Bonnecarrere said. “With support from God, churches and the community we will survive.”
Bonnecarrere and the Crossroads volunteers would like to thank the following businesses for their monetary and food contributions: Crossroads Seafood Destination, Claiborne Hill, Winn-Dixie-north, Byrd’s Chapel United Methodist Church, Crossroads feed store, John McAulay with State Farm Insurance, Picayune Veterinarian Clinic, Picayune Door Sales, Magnolia Animal Hospital in Lucedale, Wal-Mart in Picayune and Bogalusa, Nielson’s Pharmacy in Bogalusa, and Coast Electric.
All donations are tax-deductible and anyone wishing to donate to the food pantry may contact Bonnecarrere at 601-799-3045.
Dinners will be served today from 11 a.m. until, Bonnecarrere said.
Crossroads Food Pantry is located at 176 Old Crossroads West, Poplarville.