The cupboards may be nearly bare at the Union Hall BaptistChurch food pantry, but the hearts of those working with theministry are overflowing with a desire to reach people in need.

Sheila Forrest, who has been working with the food pantry sinceit started a year ago, said the church saw the ministry as a way toextend its services and love into the community.

“We figured we could reach people through this kind of mission,”she said.

The majority of the canned goods and nonperishable items on thechurch’s shelves have gone to county residents, Forrest explained.Not only has the mission been successful in helping the elderly,those out of work and individuals facing dire hardships, but it hasalso been a blessing to its own congregation members, saidForrest.

“If we see a need in our church family, naturally we would helpout. We have served a lot of people through this,” Forrest said.”We feel grateful to be able to do it.”

Forrest believes the food pantry may be an open door for churchmembers to express the love of God, especially during the holidayseason.

“It could be one way of bringing people to the Lord,” Forrestsaid. “We want to be a mission for people who need help not only atChristmas but all through the year.”

Food pantry items are donated by families in the church, andothers come through contributions from area residents, Forrestsaid.

Last year residents chipped in $7,800 to aid area food pantriesthrough a fund-raising drive by Bank of Brookhaven and The DAILYLEADER. The funds were divided between Union Hall, St. Francis ofAssisi Church and Brookhaven Outreach Ministries.

A fund has been set up again this year at Bank of Brookhaven toaccept donations to assist the Union Hall food pantry and the otherpantries.

So far, the total is $3,610 following a $1,000 donation by TheEpiscopal Church of the Redeemer’s Angel’s Attic Wednesday. Theaccount will remain open until Dec. 17, and checks will be issuedto food pantries the week before Christmas.

Donations, which may be made in honor of a friend or loved oneor anonymously, may be dropped off at the newspaper office, 128 N.Railroad Ave., or at Bank of Brookhaven, 411 Brookway Blvd. Checksshould be made payable to Holiday Food Pantry.

Because of the donations, Union Hall members are able to meetthe physical needs of more people. Forrest encourages residents tocontinue to take part in helping them to help others.

“The bigger (the food pantry) the better and the more people wecan help,” she said.