Organizers at the Roser Food Pantry don’t want bare cupboards.
The church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, Nov. 16 issued a call for support as the holiday season arrives.
Financial administrator Matt Meehan in the notice said the pantry — the only one on the island — is “relatively low on funds.”
The pantry, administered by Roser volunteers with support from island churches, businesses and residents, serves islanders, workers and students.
In a typical year, the pantry assists more than 500 individuals and families, providing packed grocery bags and monthly Publix gift cards.
Each beneficiary has a church-connected sponsor who monitors their needs.
Roser invited those who turn to the pantry to comment on its value. Testimonials from five pantry beneficiaries follow:
- “I want to personally thank Roser Church and their food program. This gift of food has helped me tremendously be able to eat while healing and getting back on my feet to seek employment. This program is an enormous blessing to those like me that were and are in need. God bless all of you for making this help and gift available.”
- “Thank you for the Publix gift card. Please be assured that the money is being used to put food on my table and that doesn’t mean steak and lobster tails. I do my best to shop prudently and watch the weekly sales flyer online and the BOGO items. I’m not exactly sure who my sponsor is but I hope you will let them know that I am deeply grateful for the support over the past few months. I’m sure that the others receiving these funds are thankful for your program and the donors.”
- “We are very grateful for your generosity and kindness. Your wonderful gift has been so helpful. Not just financially but also spiritually as well. It is your thoughtful gesture that has kept (my son) and I going through these challenging times. We thank you so much for your help.”
- “Me and my three boys have been getting a gift card from you guys for a while now. I kept thinking every month was going to be the last month but we kept getting them and they have been so very helpful! I’m a single mom and I do get food stamps but the gift card helps with cleaning supplies and shampoo and things like that. It’s so much appreciated.”
- “I write you with a thankful and grateful heart. Out of nowhere last month, I had to fly on an emergency up north for my mom with 80% heart blockage. So me again out of work and out of income. I feel like I’m on an unending merry-go-round. I get up, get on my feet, then get knocked back down and start all over again. Honestly, if it wasn’t for my faith and relationship and trust that I have in the Lord, I couldn’t imagine. Thank you for being a blessing and true angel in my life.”
This year, to maintain assistance for all beneficiaries, many beneficiaries had their benefits reduced, according to Roser.
And now, Roser is asking for help going into the holiday season.
“Thank you to the donors who fund the Roser Food Pantry,” Meehan wrote in a Nov. 16 letter to supporters. “Your donations make the world a better place and share the love of Christ with our brothers and sisters. Thank you to the volunteers who stock and operate the pantry on their own time.”
To make financial contributions to the pantry, send checks to Roser Church, P.O. Box 247, Anna Maria, FL 34216.
To donate cash or nonperishable goods, visit Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Thursday.
For more info, call Roser at 941-778-0414.