Weekly Update
Statistics
Client Visits
- 75 in Drive-Thru on Tue, Jan 21
- 44 at Pop-Up Pantry on Wed, Jan 22
- 64 in Drive-Thru on Thu, Jan 23
- 45 New Families this week
- 636 YTD Visits
Volunteers Needed
We need volunteers next week. Click the button below to sign up.
Monday, February 3
7:00 am- 9:00 am MOFB Shop Thru (1)
8:00 am- 9:00 am Direct Retail Pickup (1)
8:30 – 9:30 am Cold Stocking (2)
3:30 – 5:00 pm Shop & Stock (1)
Tuesday, February 4
7:00 am- 9:00 am MOFB Shop Thru (1)
8:30 am – 10:30 am Drive Thru Opening Shift (8)
10:00 am – 12:30 pm Drive Thru Closing Shift (8)
Wednesday, February 5
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm MOFB Shop-Thru (1)
Thursday, February 6
8:30 am – 10:30 am Drive Thru Opening Shift (7)
10:00 am – 12:30 pm Drive Thru Closing Shift (10)
Friday, February 7
9:30 am – 10:30 am Cold Stocking (2)
News
February is Heart to Heart Month
A full month of events shines the spotlight on Heart to Heart food pantry! In honor of our first director, Jill Thomas, whose birthday was valentine’s day, we are celebrating all month long. More information at h2h.FCchurch.com/february
Congratulations!
Dave Westman is one of two recipients of the annual First Community Service Award. In the past few years, Dave has become a regular volunteer at the food pantry and serves on Heart to Heart’s ministry leadership team. While he is usually serving clients in the Drive Thru, Dave also regularly volunteers or shows up for special projects. He always goes above and beyond and does so with a contagious positive attitude. Dave is also a member of First Community’s Board of Deacons and the Chancel Choir. These awards are typically presented at the Annual Meeting, but Dave and his wife, Judy, have been on an international vacation since December. The below video is a recording of our presentation of a placeholder award before they left and he will receive his official plaque when he returns in a couple weeks. You can congratulate him and thank him for her service when you see him then!
Click here for a complete recording of Wednesday’s Annual Meeting, including the presentation of the second Service Award to Tim and Erica Carlson.
Upcoming Events
February 9
Heart to Heart food pantry is holding a soup drive during all worship services. Look for the team’s volunteer quarterbacks at collection sites out in the parking lot at both locations to drop off your donations on your way in or out. We would love hearty meal-type soups, and our Pop-Up Pantry is particularly interested in soup in pop-top cans for those without kitchens and/or can openers to use. Also, for a $5 donation (cash or check), you can become the proud owner of a one-of-a-kind soup bowl or mug! These have been lovingly decorated by First Community Church’s Midweek Mission (K-8 grade) and Crossroads (6-12 grade) students for this special occasion. Which service will donate the most soup?! Heart to Heart wins, regardless of the final score.
February 14 – March 31
For the eleventh year running, we have received a grant of financial support from the Thomas family. Jill Thomas was the original Director of Heart to Heart almost 40 years ago. In 2015, she and her husband, Duke, began an annual matching grant up to $20,000. This year will be the eleventh year Heart to Heart receives this generous match, with Duke now continuing the tradition in Jill’s memory.
Beginning February 14 through March 31, make a donation to Heart to Heart and it will be doubled through this matching grant up to $20,000. The success of this fundraiser directly impacts our ability to serve the greater Columbus community. If you cannot make a monetary donation, I encourage you to volunteer for the food pantry!
February 16
Join us for worship services on Sunday, February 16 as we launch our Generosity Match-a-thon which extends through March 31. During all worship services, Rev. John Girard, Minister of Mission and Justice, will deliver a sermon and a Special Offering will be collected, contributing toward the matching fundraiser. We are asking Heart to Heart volunteers to wear their Heart to Heart t-shirts and other gear. After services, all are invited to join for a short reception outside the worship spaces. Meet Heart to Heart staff and volunteers, learn more about the mission of this ministry and the Match-a-thon! Cookies and coffee will be provided.
Please join us, even if you are not a First Community church member, or do not typically attend any worship services.
February 18
Several opportunities to take the training program will be offered in 2025. Click the button below to register for the first no-cost in-person training of 2025.
You do not have to be an existing Heart to Heart volunteer to take the training. Further opportunities for in-person sessions will be made available in 2025, as instructor availability allows. If you are unable to do the free in-person training, you can take the training online for $16. Once your training is complete, forward your certificate of completion to us to be recorded.
If you have been affected by abuse and are emotionally unable to take the training, please reach out to Rev. John Girard . Your discussion will remain confidential.
February 20
You are invited to the 2025 Heart to Heart Volunteer Appreciation Dinner and Awards Ceremony
All Heart to Heart food pantry volunteers past and present are invited to attend this dinner. Heart to Heart staff members will show their appreciation to hardworking volunteers that make our ministry possible. Awards will be presented to outstanding volunteers, and we will hear short remarks from the staff. This is an opportunity for fellowship among all our volunteers.
Social Media
Make sure you are following the Heart to Heart on both Facebook and Instagram. Social media is one of the best ways for the world to share information! Every time you like or comment on one of our posts, it promotes engagement across the platform. When you share our posts, the information is immediately visible to those in your circle! It quickly helps spread our message- whether it be resource information, a plea for donations, or a volunteer opportunity. Sharing on social media is an easy way to support our mission. Check out these posts from the past week to see what you may have missed.