Friday, December 17, 1999
Walnut Hills pantry open again Saturday
BY CHUCK MARTIN
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Most might have been encouraged by the shorter lines of people waiting for help at the Open Door Mission in Walnut Hills. It made sense — the economy is strong and unemployment is low.
But seeing fewer people worried Father Angelo Puopolo, rector of the Church of the Advent, which operates the mission in the church basement. He feared some of his needy flock had fallen through the cracks.
“I was concerned many of the people who used to be on assistance had gone back to work but were still finding their budgets stretched,” the Rev. Puopolo says. “The problem might have been some couldn't get to us during the week because they were working.”
To better serve people, the Rev. Puopolo, food pantry coordinator Alfonse Muller and other parishioners decided to open the mission at least one Saturday a month to hand out canned food and other essentials. They started offering the Saturday service in September, and on Nov. 20 they presented bags of groceries to more than 100 families.
“The food was flowing like milk and honey,” the Rev. Puopolo says.
He and church volunteers will open the mission doors again 10 a.m.-
noon Saturday to hand out fresh meat, canned goods, soap, toothpaste and other personal hygiene products.
Although they are focusing on serving people who live near their church, the Open Door Mission will also help those from outside Walnut Hills — if they qualify. The Saturday program is open to single mothers, families and other individuals over age 55.
With funds from the parish, the mission buys the food and other goods from the FreeStore/FoodBank.
“We're happy to reach those who wouldn't be able to come in normally,” says Mr. Muller.
Those interested in receiving assistance from the Open Door Mission Saturday program, or in donating money or goods, should call 961-2100.
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