East Toledo neighborhood leaning on local church for necessities
“We’re trying as hard as we can to do what we can for our neighborhood." St. Mark Lutheran Church in East Toledo, Ohio, provides a place for the community to gather and purchase necessities. The last Wednesday of every month, the "Neighborhood Dinner" is held outside the church doors for people in need of groceries, a hot meal, and second-hand items. Longtime volunteer, Karen Johansen, said that the line is increasing due to the rising cost of food and clothes. The event attracts over 100 people each month. Dale Varnes, who recently experienced a health scare, said the monthly dinner provides relief for him. Johansen also mentioned that anyone and anyone are welcome.
Published : 4 weeks ago by Carli Petrus in
TOLEDO, Ohio (WTVG) - St. Mark Lutheran Church provides people with more than just a place to pray. Longtime volunteer, Karen Johansen says it is also a place for the community to gather and get what they need to survive.
“We’re trying as hard as we can to do what we can for our neighborhood,” said Johansen. “The neighborhood knows they can come grab a bag if they need it.”
The last Wednesday of every month, more than a hundred people line up outside the church doors for the “Neighborhood Dinner”. An opportunity for people in need to get groceries, a hot meal, and second-hand items.
Johansen says that the line is only getting longer with the rising cost of food and clothes. “Every month we get at least 10 to 12 new families.”
Dale Varnes is just one of the many who look forward to this day, after recently falling on hard times due to a health scare.
“I had a hole in my stomach. I almost died that evening,” said Varnes. “Everyday is stressful, especially when I can’t work.”
Dale says the monthly dinner, gives him some relief.
“That helps me because you know, at the end of the month you kind of run low, you know, and they’re here to help you, and I appreciate it.”
According to organizer Emily Hemminger, anyone and everyone is welcome, but caring for the neighborhood does not stop with this event.
“I can walk out in the community and I can wave hi to them as they’re playing in the park or on the sidewalk,” said Hemminger.
Filling several gaps in the east side of Toledo, through food, donations, and outreach St. Mark’s is proving to be more than a church.
“This is definitely a community,” said Johansen.