June 2008 - Throughout the month of May, employees of Heritage Ministries collected and donated non-perishable food items to benefit food pantries at the Union Gospel Mission (Jamestown) and the Gerry Free Methodist Church (Gerry).  As part of the United Way’s “Community Matters” Food Drive, items such as cereal, canned goods, and many other non-perishable food items will now be distributed through these two food pantries to area families in need.

Rev. John W. Steinhauser, Executive Director at Union Gospel Mission for the past 36 years, was thrilled with the generous donation.  Rev. Steinhauser exclaimed, “These gifts will be distributed not only here at the mission (where meals are served three times a day, seven days a week), but also through Hotel Jamestown and other local food distribution sites.  I can’t thank the Heritage employees enough.”

Pastor Jeff Bellinger of the Gerry Free Methodist Church was also thankful for the generosity displayed by Heritage employees.  He explained, “The food pantry is an important outreach ministry for our church.  This food allows us to meet the needs of this community, also served by Heritage, in a very real, tangible manner.”

To learn how you can join Heritage Ministries in supporting these worthy food pantries, you can contact the Union Gospel Mission at (716) 484-1092, or the Gerry Free Methodist Church at (716) 985-4304.  If you are interested in your business participating in the United Way’s annual “Community Matters” Food Drive, please contact Richard Fleurant at (716) 483-1561.