Hands of Hope Food Pantry Receives $3,500 Donation from CEMC

Hands of Hope Food Pantry in Portland, Tennessee, has recently been bolstered by a generous $3,500 donation from Cumberland Electric Membership Corporation (CEMC).

 

This contribution is set to enhance the pantry's ability to provide essential food items to the community, especially as the holiday season approaches.

 

The donation was a collaborative effort, with CEMC and its subsidiary, Cumberland Connect, matching a gift from Vonalas, a fiber contractor for Cumberland Connect.

 

The combined support underscores a shared commitment to addressing food insecurity in Sumner County.

 

"With this beautiful donation and support from these wonderful organizations, it will enable us to continue our mission of meeting the need of food insecurities in our community," expressed Karen Cole, founder and director of Hands of Hope.

 

She added, "We appreciate their commitment to our outreach."

 

Hands of Hope operates as a free grocery store, allowing residents to select items that best meet their needs.

 

Serving over 500 families monthly, the pantry relies heavily on the generosity of partners and volunteers.

 

In addition to food distribution, the pantry has installed a Blessing Box outside its facility.

 

This box contains hygiene products, non-perishable food items, and other essentials, accessible to the community at any time.

 

Community members are encouraged to contribute items to the Blessing Box, fostering a spirit of mutual aid.

 

Hands of Hope's operating hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to noon, with a special Senior Shopping hour (for ages 65 and up) on Tuesdays from 8 to 9 a.m.

 

The pantry is located at 101C South Russell Street in Portland.

 

For those interested in supporting the pantry's mission, donations of non-perishable food items and hygiene products are always welcome.

 

Monetary contributions can also be made to assist in purchasing food through partnerships with organizations like Second Harvest Food Bank.

 

As the holiday season approaches, the need for community support becomes even more critical.

 

Hands of Hope continues to embody the spirit of "community helping community," ensuring that no family in Sumner County faces hunger alone.

 

For more information on how to contribute or volunteer, please contact Hands of Hope directly.

 

In related news, other local organizations are also stepping up to address food insecurity.

 

Portland Pay It Forward, another food pantry in the area, has reported a significant increase in the number of families seeking assistance.

 

They have provided over 300,000 pounds of food to the community in 2023 alone.

 

However, with this increase comes the challenge of additional operational costs, including the need for a financial audit due to the volume of donations received.

 

Community members are encouraged to support these vital organizations to ensure they can continue their essential work.

 

For those interested in volunteering, Hands of Hope offers opportunities such as Pantry Stock Day, where volunteers assist in organizing and stocking food items.

 

It's a chance to contribute directly to the pantry's operations and make a tangible impact on the community.

 

As the community comes together to support these initiatives, the collective effort ensures that families in Sumner County have access to the resources they need.

 

The generosity of organizations like CEMC, Cumberland Connect, and Vonalas, combined with the dedication of local volunteers, exemplifies the power of community collaboration in addressing food insecurity.

 

For more information on Hands of Hope Food Pantry, including how to donate or volunteer, please visit their official website or contact them directly.

 

Together, we can make a difference in the lives of our neighbors in need.