On January 29, 2024, the Open Door Fellowship United Center took significant steps to support elderly residents in the Valley by delivering food to those in need during the harsh winter months. This initiative, which has been part of the church’s outreach for the past 15 years, marks a pivotal shift from previous years when seniors had to visit the church to collect food supplies.
Pastor Leslie Floyd recognized the necessity to adapt the program to better serve the community. “We just decided that we wanted to give to the homeless and give to the elderly and seniors who are homebound and cannot work,” she explained. By transitioning from a church-based pickup to direct home deliveries, the ministry aims to reach high-need, immobile residents more effectively.
Volunteers Mobilize for Community Support
The ministry group comprises approximately 10 to 15 volunteers who work diligently to gather, sort, and deliver food packages. The deliveries occur once or twice a month, depending on the availability of food supplies. Preparation for each event is extensive, lasting around two hours. Volunteers travel to a food bank in Auburn to collect supplies, which are then sorted into bags or boxes containing approximately 60-65 pounds of food.
Floyd described the impact of these deliveries, noting that residents were often “ecstatic” upon receiving the packages. During the latest event, the team managed to deliver food to around 20 residents, showcasing the growing demand for assistance. “We actually had to go back and make more [packages] because so many people were in need,” Floyd added, indicating a need for even greater preparedness in future distributions.
A Commitment to Quiet Generosity
The volunteers at Open Door Fellowship believe in helping their community without seeking recognition. Each delivery is made discreetly; there are no photographs or videos, just a simple knock at the door, a warm greeting, and the sharing of food and fellowship. “We just do things privately because we know God is going to reward us in public,” Floyd stated, reflecting the group’s philosophy of service.
Through their ongoing commitment, the Open Door Fellowship United Center continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of the Valley’s elderly residents, providing not only food but also a sense of community and support during challenging times.
