Rain didn’t dampen a drive-thru, pop-up food distribution in Aurora Sunday, Nov. 3.
In cooperation with Aurora Area Interfaith Food Pantry, the event was sponsored by New Hope Advent Christian Church of Aurora in the Temple B’nai Israel parking lot.
New Hope board chair, Char Dillon said, “We gave out 125 boxes of food to 80 families. The boxes contained cooking oil, canned tuna, mac and cheese, cereal, brownie muffin mix, celery and apples. Additionally, we gave out 100 pounds of potatoes, 100 bags of onions, 90 gallons of milk, and a bunch or two of bananas to each guest.”
According to Dillon, approximately 35 volunteers combined came from New Hope and the Temple. “Rev. James Missick, New Hope pastor and Rabbi Edward Friedman worked hard, both packing food on Friday, as well as distributing the boxes and greeting people on Sunday. Also, Hilary Brennan of the pantry board worked alongside us distributing food,” Dillon said.
She added, “We had cars show up before the event and about seven cars after the event closed. Of 125 boxes packed Friday by eight volunteers, we had no boxes left, but everyone who came got food. Extra unboxed supplies went back to the pantry. Eddie Galvin, pantry program director, coordinated our efforts.”
Westminster Presbyterian Church allowed guests to enter through its parking lot.
Dillon said New Hope sponsored the event because “We care about people and want them to know God loves them and they are not alone. Leaders of both the Temple and New Hope consider this event to be a wonderful way to demonstrate our faith in action intentions.
“This means we become the hands and feet of God on earth for the good of others in this event and any other outreach programs we have. We are delighted to have this as an interfaith endeavor in which both congregations participate and demonstrate the love of God to our community in a tangible way.”
New Hope holds 10 a.m. Sunday worship services at the temple.
For more information, visit Newhopeacc.org.
—Al Benson