|
Rotarians pull together to help Agape Ministries |
|
|
|
Tuesday, 26 August 2008 |
By KATIE YANTIS
Staff Writer
ST. MARYS — A hog bought at the Auglaize County Fair three weeks ago is helping to feed those in need in the western Auglaize county area.
After purchasing the hog, the New Bremen/ New Knoxville Rotary Club donated it to Agape Ministries in St. Marys. The Rotary Club had it processed and packaged into 1 pound units at Kah Meats. Agape then received the meat to fill the freezers in the pantry.
“They pay for all of the processing, they have been so generous and so kind, and we need the meat,” Executive Director of Agape Ministries Kathy Bayless said.
The process went quickly as the meat was received at Agape within a week of the purchase. The partnership between the Rotarians and the ministry is in its second year and Bayless said she is thankful for their kindness.
“It’s nothing to have over 100 people (in a day) and the generosity of the Rotary is such a blessing,” Bayless said. “That is one of the most generous things an organization can do — to provide meat to us in that quantity.”
The meat was welcomed but with the numbers Agape is currently serving, Bayless said she hopes to make it to the middle of September with the donated food.
“Last Tuesday 112 people came through our pantry,” Bayless said.
Agape does all they can to feed as many people as possible with the food donated to the facility.
“We have the meat processed to optimize the animal,” Bayless said. “Kah is so kind to us. They are very generous.”
Along with optimizing the amount of meat that was able to be served, Agape has nothing done to it. The reason is so that each family can prepare it the way that fits them best, Bayless said.
“We got 150 pounds from the pig, we had everything done in whole hog sausage,” Bayless said. “Each family can season it as they see fit.”
Looking to the future Bayless said she hopes the Ministry is able to continue the relationship with the Rotary club they have because of how much it means to them.
The Agape Ministries serve clients on Tuesdays and Thursdays between noon and 2:30 p.m. With the numbers the ministry is serving on the rise, Bayless said she is hoping to make the most out of the meat donated.
The meat donation helps Agape by allowing it to use resources elsewhere. The number of people being served is climbing higher. In July, the number of people served rose from 543 in 2007 to 703 in 2008.
“We will never turn anyone away,” Bayless said. “We will lower the numbers of items received before turning anyone away.”
Other organizations that donate meat to Agape Ministries include the VFW, Eagles, the Safari Club, and Wild Turkey Federation.
|
|
Last Updated ( Friday, 29 August 2008 )
|
