Contributors: Ken Lawson, superintendent, and
Samara Harvey
The Well: Serving Others
In February 2016, the Marion, Iowa church held its first food pantry and clothes closet giveaway. The church had been hosting a clothing giveaway since 2012. Upon hearing about the opportunity to become a food pantry as well, members of the church jumped at the chance.
God’s hand has been working through this ministry ever since. It started out as a small operation, but it has grown. Just this year, volunteers at the pantry obtained articles of incorporation, and now the pantry and clothes closet are officially a nonprofit organization known as The Well.
In years past, the pantry and clothes closet were held at the same time within the church’s fellowship hall. Due to the pandemic, a drive-through system has been instituted in order to reduce contact and keep the pantry open during these trying times.
The week before Thanksgiving, a record number of households (220, representing 718 individuals) were served by the pantry. The rise in numbers speaks to the hardship many are experiencing during this time.
Though we wish there wasn’t an increased demand, we are grateful God’s grace and provision have allowed the Marion church to serve so many who are struggling. To date, The Well has distributed over 1.8 million pounds of food to eastern Iowans, and hopes to continue this impactful ministry for many years to come.
