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Do Justice. Love Kindness. Walk Humbly.
Director: (614) 488-0681 ext. 106
Manager: (614) 488-0681 ext. 203
hearttoheart@FCchurch.com
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
Tuesdays 9am to 12pm
Thursdays 9am to 12pm
First Community South
1320 Cambridge Blvd. Columbus, OH 43212
Category

Weekly Update

February 10, 2024

By Weekly Update

Weekly Update

Statistics

Drive-Thru Households Served

  • 66 on Tuesday, February 6
  • 66 on Thursday, February 8

Pop-Up Households Served

  • 43 on Wednesday, February 7

Monday’s Order

Our next order from Mid-Ohio Foodbank is due Monday, February 12. We are expecting over 8,800 pounds to be delivered. If you can volunteer to help unload and stock, please sign up online.

Click the image below to enlarge.

Volunteers Needed

Monday, February 12

  • 8:30 am-9:30 am Cold Stocking (2)
  • 3:30 pm- 5:00 pm MOFB Order Unload (3)

Tuesday, February 13

  • 8:30 am- 10:30 am Drive-Thru (3)
  • 10:00 am- 12:30 pm Drive-Thru (6)

Wednesday, February 14

  • 1:00 pm- 2:00 pm MOFB Shop-Thru (1)

Thursday, February 15

  • 8:30 am- 10:30 am Drive Thru (4)
  • 10:00 am- 12:30 pm Drive-Thru (1)

Friday, February 16

  • 9:30 am- 10:30 am Cold Stocking Shift (2)
  • 11:00 am- 12:30 pm Shop & Stock (5)
Sign up to Volunteer

News

Social Media This Week

Here’s what you may have missed this week! To see regular updates, follow us on

SOUPerbowl Sunday February 11

Heart to Heart is holding a soup drive during all worship services Sunday! Look for the volunteer quarterbacks at collection sites outside at both locations to drop off your donations of shelf-stable soup. We especially appreciate donations of hearty soups that serve as a whole meal, such as: beef vegetable, chicken and rice, Italian wedding, etc. For a $5 donation (cash or check), you can become the proud owner of a one-of-a-kind soup bowl or mug decorated by students at First Community Church in the Midweek Mission (K-8) and Crossroads (8-12) programs.

Holiday Closing

Mark your calendar! We will be closed on Monday, February 19 in observance of President’s Day. Click the image below for a complete list of 2024 closings.

Volunteer Appreciation & Award Dinner

Thank you to everyone who joined us Tuesday evening. We were so happy to celebrate with you! Thank you to Steven’s Catering for donating a fantastic meal. Click the button below for a PDF of our slideshow presentation. We have added some of the spoken commentary to the slides, but we can’t possibly capture the fun vibes of the night.

Volunteer of the Month

Congratulations to Nora Ginnan, February’s Volunteer of the Month. Click here to read more.

Welcome OSU Students

Please welcome the new class of OSU Semester of Service students: Audrey Odier, Emily Wang, and Grace Bates.

Monthly Statistics

PUPdate January 2024

Volunteer Training Opportunities

Mid-Ohio Food Collective Trainings

The Mid-Ohio Food Collective offers regular training opportunities for food pantry staff and volunteers. Trainings on FreshTrak and Food Safety will help you learn more about pantry operations and make you an even more effective volunteer! They also occasionally offer training on advocacy, and other topics that may be of interest to you.

For most trainings, volunteers will need to register with an agency name and number: Heart to Heart Agency #1042

Register Online at MOFC Agency360

Advocacy 101

Join the Conversation

MOFC’s Government Relations Team- Tim White and Hallie Carrino-Lee will host an open forum to discuss the State Budget and its effects on essential programs and benefits for your customers.

Explore ways to push back and advocate against the continued assault on SNAP and othe Hinger/Feeding issues and what’s happening on Capitol Hill.

Bring your questions and prepare to engage! Registration is required. This session of Advocacy will be held via ZOOM.

 

  • Thu, Feb 22 at 10 am

FreshTrak Basic Training

(FKA PantryTrak)

This online via zoom workshop will provide the fundamentals to get started with FreshTrak at your agency. Participants with learn how to administer the intake process using FreshTrak and will be guided on best practices for developing an efficient process in registering your clients. For agencies already using FreshTrak, this workshop will be helpful as a refresher of the basics.

Questions? Contact Ann Miller-Tobin at amillertobin@mofc.org

The following dates and times are available:

  • Tue, Feb 20 at 2 pm
  • Thu, Mar 14 at 10 am

February 2, 2024

By Weekly Update

Weekly Update

Statistics

Drive-Thru Households Served

  • 54 on Tuesday, January 30
  • 69 on Thursday, February 1

Pop-Up Households Served

  • 40 on Wednesday, January 31

Volunteers Needed

Monday, February 5

  • 8:30 am-9:30 am Cold Stocking (2)

Tuesday, February 6

  • 8:30 am- 10:30 am Drive-Thru (6)
  • 10:00 am- 12:30 pm Drive-Thru (7)

Wednesday, February 7

  • 1:00 pm- 2:00 pm MOFB Shop-Thru (1)

Thursday, February 8

  • 8:30 am- 10:30 am Drive Thru (5)
  • 10:00 am- 12:30 pm Drive-Thru (2)

Friday, February 9

  • 9:30 am- 10:30 am Cold Stocking Shift (2)
Sign up to Volunteer

News

Social Media This Week

Here’s what you may have missed this week! To see regular updates, follow us on

SOUPerbowl Sunday February 11

Heart to Heart is holding a soup drive during all worship services Sunday! Look for the volunteer quarterbacks at collection sites outside at both locations to drop off your donations of shelf-stable soup. We especially appreciate donations of hearty soups that serve as a whole meal, such as: beef vegetable, chicken and rice, Italian wedding, etc. For a $5 donation (cash or check), you can become the proud owner of a one-of-a-kind soup bowl or mug decorated by students at First Community Church in the Midweek Mission (K-8) and Crossroads (8-12) programs.

Volunteer Training Opportunities

Mid-Ohio Food Collective Trainings

The Mid-Ohio Food Collective offers regular training opportunities for food pantry staff and volunteers. Trainings on FreshTrak and Food Safety will help you learn more about pantry operations and make you an even more effective volunteer! They also occasionally offer training on advocacy, and other topics that may be of interest to you.

For most trainings, volunteers will need to register with an agency name and number: Heart to Heart Agency #1042

Register Online at MOFC Agency360

MOFC Food Safety Training

Level 1 Person In Charge

This training was developed by Feeding America and ServSafe for those who partner with foodbanks and is relevant to the work you are doing in your communities.

The course is online, at no-cost to your agency and once taken and successfully passed, the certification never expires for the person who takes the training!

Questions? Contact Ann Miller-Tobin at amillertobin@mofc.org

The following dates and times are available:

  • Mon, Feb 5, 10 am to 12 pm

Advocacy 101

Join the Conversation

MOFC’s Government Relations Team- Tim White and Hallie Carrino-Lee will host an open forum to discuss the State Budget and its effects on essential programs and benefits for your customers.

Explore ways to push back and advocate against the continued assault on SNAP and othe Hinger/Feeding issues and what’s happening on Capitol Hill.

Bring your questions and prepare to engage! Registration is required. This session of Advocacy will be held via ZOOM.

 

  • Thu, Feb 22 at 10 am

FreshTrak Basic Training

(FKA PantryTrak)

This online via zoom workshop will provide the fundamentals to get started with FreshTrak at your agency. Participants with learn how to administer the intake process using FreshTrak and will be guided on best practices for developing an efficient process in registering your clients. For agencies already using FreshTrak, this workshop will be helpful as a refresher of the basics.

Questions? Contact Ann Miller-Tobin at amillertobin@mofc.org

The following dates and times are available:

  • Tue, Feb 20 at 2 pm
  • Thu, Mar 21 at 10 am

January 27, 2024

By Weekly Update

Weekly Update

Statistics

Drive-Thru Households Served

  • 62 on Tuesday, January 23
  • 59 on Thursday, January 25

Pop-Up Households Served

  • 36 on Wednesday, January 24

December 2023 Stats

  • Households Served   583
  • Families Served by Drive-Thru Pantry 385
  • Families Served by Pop-Up Pantry  198
  • Individuals Served      2,005
    • Seniors Served 252
    • Adults Served  1,021
    • Children Served   732
  • Meals Served   18,045

Click here to read more. Year-end reports will be available soon!

Volunteers Needed

Monday, January 29

  • 8:30 am-9:30 am Cold Stocking (2)

Tuesday, January 30

  • 8:30 am- 10:30 am Drive-Thru (5)
  • 10:00 am- 12:30 pm Drive-Thru (6)

Wednesday, January 31

  • 1:00 pm- 2:00 pm MOFB Shop-Thru (1)

Thursday, February 1

  • 7:30 am- 9:00 am MOFB Shop-Thru (1)
  • 8:30 am- 10:30 am Drive Thru (6)
  • 10:00 am- 12:30 pm Drive-Thru (5)

Friday, February 2

  • 9:00 am- 10:00 am Direct Retail Pickups (2)
  • 9:30 am- 10:30 am Cold Stocking Shift (1)
Sign up to Volunteer

News

It’s NOT too late to RSVP!

All Heart to Heart volunteers past and present are invited to attend the Volunteer Appreciation and Awards Dinner.

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. The event is not formal!

Click here to RSVP

SOUPerbowl Sunday February 11

Heart to Heart is holding a soup drive during all worship services Sunday! Look for the volunteer quarterbacks at collection sites outside at both locations to drop off your donations of shelf-stable soup. We especially appreciate donations of hearty soups that serve as a whole meal, such as: beef vegetable, chicken and rice, Italian wedding, etc. For a $5 donation (cash or check), you can become the proud owner of a one-of-a-kind soup bowl or mug decorated by students at First Community Church in the Midweek Mission (K-8) and Crossroads (8-12) programs.

Social Media This Week

Here’s what you may have missed this week! To see regular updates, follow us on

PUP Calendar

Click below to view the Pop-Up Pantry’s service calendar for February 2024.

2024 Holiday & Closings Calendar

A revised calendar has been uploaded. Our next closing is Monday, February 19 for President’s Day. Click the image below to enlarge.

Volunteer Training Opportunities

Mid-Ohio Food Collective Trainings

The Mid-Ohio Food Collective offers regular training opportunities for food pantry staff and volunteers. Trainings on FreshTrak and Food Safety will help you learn more about pantry operations and make you an even more effective volunteer! They also occasionally offer training on advocacy, and other topics that may be of interest to you.

For most trainings, volunteers will need to register with an agency name and number: Heart to Heart Agency #1042

Register Online at MOFC Agency360

MOFC Food Safety Training

Level 1 Person In Charge

This training was developed by Feeding America and ServSafe for those who partner with foodbanks and is relevant to the work you are doing in your communities.

The course is online, at no-cost to your agency and once taken and successfully passed, the certification never expires for the person who takes the training!

Questions? Contact Ann Miller-Tobin at amillertobin@mofc.org

The following dates and times are available:

  • Mon, Feb 5, 10 am to 12 pm

Advocacy 101

Join the Conversation

MOFC’s Government Relations Team- Tim White and Hallie Carrino-Lee will host an open forum to discuss the State Budget and its effects on essential programs and benefits for your customers.

Explore ways to push back and advocate against the continued assault on SNAP and othe Hinger/Feeding issues and what’s happening on Capitol Hill.

Bring your questions and prepare to engage! Registration is required. This session of Advocacy will be held via ZOOM.

  • Thu, Feb 22 at 10 am

FreshTrak Basic Training

(FKA PantryTrak)

This online via zoom workshop will provide the fundamentals to get started with FreshTrak at your agency. Participants with learn how to administer the intake process using FreshTrak and will be guided on best practices for developing an efficient process in registering your clients. For agencies already using FreshTrak, this workshop will be helpful as a refresher of the basics.

Questions? Contact Ann Miller-Tobin at amillertobin@mofc.org

The following dates and times are available:

  • Tue, Feb 20 at 2 pm
  • Thu, Mar 21 at 10 am

New Year Reminders

Mission & Vision

The mission of Heart to Heart is to respond to God’s commandment to love one another.

The vision of Heart to Heart is to model God’s love by:

  • Cultivating a loving community
  • Honoring individual gifts
  • Feeding bodies and souls

…and seeing everyone as a child of God.

Volunteer Covenant

We agree to foster a welcoming culture of kindness and respect that upholds the worth and dignity of every person, striving to listen with empathy, and use teamwork to carry out the mission and vision of Heart to Heart.

Tips & Tricks

Heart to Heart staff have implemented guidelines, processes and measures to ensure the safety of our workers, proper use of equipment, and best functionality. It is imperative to our operations for volunteers to adhere to these guidelines. 

For instance, volunteers should avoid overloading shelves when stocking food. Each shelving unit can only hold a limited weight, distributed across the individual shelves. The weight limits differ by size and type of shelf. For guidance, please ask Yohan when stocking.

When items are misused causing damage, the pantry has to pay for the replacement. Every dollar spent on equipment is one dollar less that we are able to spend on food to feed our clients. Please keep this in mind when you are volunteering.

Special Skills

We understand not everyone can or wants to volunteer during our regular weekly shifts, but may still want to contribute to our overall success. Heart to Heart is on the lookout for a few volunteers with specialized skills to help with projects from time to time. Please let us know if you have a particular interest or are skilled in:

  • Woodworking, DIY, Building
  • Social Media
  • Community Advocacy
  • Elementary Education
  • One time assembly projects (eg. birthday bags)

While we may not have a related project in mind at the moment, these are some needs we have encountered over time and we would love to know who might be interested in helping with these things in the future. Have another skill or interest you think may be useful? Let us know!

Inclement Weather Plan

Winter is in full swing with extremely low temperatures and snowfall in the forecast. Now is the perfect time to review our inclement weather procedure.

Since Heart to Heart food pantry is an essential service for many, we will make every attempt to remain open during regular business hours if it is deemed safe to do so. Conversely, if we do not have appropriate volunteer staffing, we may have to close even when the offices remain open.

In the event we are closed, we will make note on our outgoing voicemail, on our Facebook and Instagram pages and on our webpage. Volunteers for the day will be notified by email as soon as a decision to close has been made. In other words: no news is good news!

We understand when volunteers don’t feel comfortable being outside or driving on roads in severe weather. Please let us know if you cannot make it to volunteer for your shift! If there are 24 hours or less before your shift, please email Yohan Kim to let us know.

January 20, 2024

By Weekly Update

Weekly Update

Statistics

Drive-Thru Households Served

  • 33 on Tuesday, January 16
  • 60 on Thursday, January 18

Pop-Up Households Served

  • 42 on Wednesday, January 17

Monday’s Truck

We have an order arriving from Mid-Ohio Food Collective on Monday afternoon. Click below for a preview of what we will be unloading!

Volunteers Needed

Monday, January 22

  • 3:30 pm-5:00 pm MOFB Order Unloading

Tuesday, January 23

  • 8:30 am- 10:30 am Drive-Thru (6)
  • 10:00 am- 12:30 pm Drive-Thru (7)

Wednesday, January 24

  • 1:00 pm- 2:00 pm MOFB Shop-Thru (1)

Thursday, January 25

  • 8:30 am- 10:30 am Drive Thru (4)
  • 10:00 am- 12:30 pm Drive-Thru (1)

Friday, January 26

  • 9:30 am- 10:30 am Cold Stocking Shift (1)
Sign up to Volunteer

News

Volunteer Appreciation and Awards Dinner

All Heart to Heart 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. Please RSVP by January 26 so that we may plan the event accordingly.

Click here to RSVP

Heart to Heart Ministry Team

Our Heart to Heart Ministry Team met for the first time last week. We are excited for the plans ahead! We appreciate the work of last year’s team: Rose Kandel, Andrea Keil, Pat Porterfield, and Melody Smiley. This year’s team is made up of (as pictured below):

  • Andrea Keil
  • Kevin Orsini
  • Carolyn Barger
  • Dave Westman

Read more about the individuals that make up our team here.

Social Media This Week

Here’s what you may have missed this week! To see regular updates, follow us on

Hair Care Drive

Thank you to everyone that donated on Sunday, January 14. With your help, we collected 151 pounds (86 North, 65 South) and $20 in donations.

Our next monthly drive will be held on February 11. On SOUPerbowl Sunday, we will collected canned soups and sell one-of-a-kind soup bowls.

Volunteer Training Opportunities

Mid-Ohio Food Collective Trainings

The Mid-Ohio Food Collective offers regular training opportunities for food pantry staff and volunteers. Trainings on FreshTrak and Food Safety will help you learn more about pantry operations and make you an even more effective volunteer! They also occasionally offer training on advocacy, and other topics that may be of interest to you.

For most trainings, volunteers will need to register with an agency name and number: Heart to Heart Agency #1042

Register Online at MOFC Agency360

Advocacy 101

Join the Conversation

MOFC’s Government Relations Team- Tim White and Hallie Carrino-Lee will host an open forum to discuss the State Budget and its effects on essential programs and benefits for your customers.

Explore ways to push back and advocate against the continued assault on SNAP and othe Hinger/Feeding issues and what’s happening on Capitol Hill.

Bring your questions and prepare to engage! Registration is required. This session of Advocacy will be held via ZOOM.

  • Thu, Feb 22 at 10 am

MOFC Food Safety Training

Level 1 Person In Charge

This training was developed by Feeding America and ServSafe for those who partner with foodbanks and is relevant to the work you are doing in your communities.

The course is online, at no-cost to your agency and once taken and successfully passed, the certification never expires for the person who takes the training!

Questions? Contact Ann Miller-Tobin at amillertobin@mofc.org

The following dates and times are available:

  • Mon, Feb 5, 10 am to 12 pm

Healthcare Navigation

Embarking with MOFC

Join us for an enlightening information session on Get Covered Ohio, hosted by the Mid-Ohio Food Collective’s Healthcare Navigation Team.

With the combined efforts of eight local and regional organizations providing Navigator services, learn how MOFC is connecting Ohioans with free information and assistance on health insurance. This 90-minute session promises valuable insights into exploring, enrolling, and optimizing health coverage options in your communities. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to empower your customers, partners, and yourself – mark your calendar and be prepared to join us online, over Zoom!

Questions? Contact Nicole DeLozier at 614-230-9166 or ndelozier@mofc.org

  • Wed, Jan 24 at 9:30 am

FreshTrak Basic Training

(FKA PantryTrak)

This online via zoom workshop will provide the fundamentals to get started with FreshTrak at your agency. Participants with learn how to administer the intake process using FreshTrak and will be guided on best practices for developing an efficient process in registering your clients. For agencies already using FreshTrak, this workshop will be helpful as a refresher of the basics.

Questions? Contact Ann Miller-Tobin at amillertobin@mofc.org

The following dates and times are available:

  • Tue, Feb 20 at 2 pm
  • Thu, Mar 21 at 10 am

New Year Reminders

Mission & Vision

The mission of Heart to Heart is to respond to God’s commandment to love one another.

The vision of Heart to Heart is to model God’s love by:

  • Cultivating a loving community
  • Honoring individual gifts
  • Feeding bodies and souls

…and seeing everyone as a child of God.

Volunteer Covenant

We agree to foster a welcoming culture of kindness and respect that upholds the worth and dignity of every person, striving to listen with empathy, and use teamwork to carry out the mission and vision of Heart to Heart.

Tips & Tricks

Heart to Heart staff have implemented guidelines, processes and measures to ensure the safety of our workers, proper use of equipment, and best functionality. It is imperative to our operations for volunteers to adhere to these guidelines. 

For instance, volunteers should avoid overloading shelves when stocking food. Each shelving unit can only hold a limited weight, distributed across the individual shelves. The weight limits differ by size and type of shelf. For guidance, please ask Yohan when stocking.

When items are misused causing damage, the pantry has to pay for the replacement. Every dollar spent on equipment is one dollar less that we are able to spend on food to feed our clients. Please keep this in mind when you are volunteering.

Special Skills

We understand not everyone can or wants to volunteer during our regular weekly shifts, but may still want to contribute to our overall success. Heart to Heart is on the lookout for a few volunteers with specialized skills to help with projects from time to time. Please let us know if you have a particular interest or are skilled in:

  • Woodworking, DIY, Building
  • Social Media
  • Community Advocacy
  • Elementary Education
  • One time assembly projects (eg. birthday bags)

While we may not have a related project in mind at the moment, these are some needs we have encountered over time and we would love to know who might be interested in helping with these things in the future. Have another skill or interest you think may be useful? Let us know!

Inclement Weather Plan

Winter is in full swing with extremely low temperatures and snowfall in the forecast. Now is the perfect time to review our inclement weather procedure.

Since Heart to Heart food pantry is an essential service for many, we will make every attempt to remain open during regular business hours if it is deemed safe to do so. Conversely, if we do not have appropriate volunteer staffing, we may have to close even when the offices remain open.

In the event we are closed, we will make note on our outgoing voicemail, on our Facebook and Instagram pages and on our webpage. Volunteers for the day will be notified by email as soon as a decision to close has been made. In other words: no news is good news!

We understand when volunteers don’t feel comfortable being outside or driving on roads in severe weather. Please let us know if you cannot make it to volunteer for your shift! If there are 24 hours or less before your shift, please email Yohan Kim to let us know.

January 13, 2024

By Weekly Update

Weekly Update

Statistics

Drive-Thru Households Served

  • 39 on Tuesday, January 2
  • 64 on Thursday, January 4
  • 77 on Tuesday, January 9
  • 76 on Thursday, January 11

Pop-Up Households Served

  • 40 on Wednesday, January 3
  • 40 on Wednesday, January 10

Click below for the complete list of statistics for December 2023.

Click for Monthly Stats

January 15

On Monday, we are closed in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Click here for a complete list of Heart to Heart’s 2024 closings.

Volunteers Needed

Monday, January 15

  • Closed for MLK Day

Tuesday, January 16

  • 8:30 am- 10:30 am Drive-Thru (5)
  • 10:00 am- 12:30 pm Drive-Thru (5)

Wednesday, January 17

  • 1:00 pm- 2:00 pm MOFB Shop-Thru (1)

Thursday, January 18

  • 8:30 am- 10:30 am Drive Thru (3)
  • 10:00 am- 12:30 pm Drive-Thru (2)

Friday, January 19

  • 9:30 am- 10:30 am Cold Stocking Shift (2)
Sign up to Volunteer

News

Hair Care Drive

This Sunday, January 14, Heart to Heart volunteers will take donations during all worship services. While we will accept any donations, this month we focus on hair care items for all types of hair. Essential items such as shampoo, conditioner, and styling products are not only taxed, but not covered by SNAP benefits. These items are often cost-prohibitive, making them coveted in the drive-thru. Please consider making a donation of hair care products when you attend worship services this Sunday.

Monthly Collections During Worship

Heart to Heart food pantry will hold a once-a-month donation collection during Sunday worship services to promote material contributions for those attending First Community for worship. If you are attending services at North, please look for the donation station sign in the parking lot and drop off your donations before you come inside! If you’re attending services at South, please look for the donation cart at Crane welcome center, where you can drop off your donation with our volunteer. While we will advertise and encourage specific donations on a theme, we continue to accept all our typical donations! Click the image to download a printable PDF (or grab a flyer at either church campus) to hang on your fridge! We hope these fun themes will encourage donation participation.

What To Get and Where

Not all hair is the same! It’s important to know that different hair textures require different products, more than just shampoo and conditioner. I recently found this great resource online Tutus and Tennis ShoesAuthor and trained Cosmetology Instructor, Kanisha, provides guidance to families for families of transracial adoption to as they learn to care for their children’s hair. I encourage you to explore the site if for no other reason than to see all there is to learn.

This weekend, when choosing products to donate to our hair care drive, keep in mind Kanisha’s mission. Consider making a donation of hair care products you may not need yourself, like curl crème and hair masks. Of course, we will gladly accept your average shampoo and conditioner too!

For your convenience, we have included ads from major retailers with pertinent items currently on sale. Click the image to browse through the Facebook post for more info.

Donations Needed

Bring these items with you to worship this weekend, or click here for donation hours and instructions.

Social Media This Week

Here’s what you may have missed this week! To see regular updates, follow us on

Volunteer Appreciation and Awards Dinner

All Heart to Heart 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. Please RSVP by January 26 so that we may plan the event accordingly.

Click here to RSVP

PUPdate

In December, the Pop-Up Pantry delivered to the following sites:

  • December 6:          Commons at Livingston – 39
  • December 13:        Hope Resource Center – 43
  • December 20:        Southpoint – 40
  • December 21:        Riverview – 40
  • December 27:        Grant – 36

Pop Up 2023 Monthly totals: 

  • January:         153
  • February:       161
  • March:            190
  • April:               171
  • May:                226
  • June:              190
  • July:                188
  • August:           237
  • September:     215
  • October:          181
  • November:      254
  • December:      198

Totals for 2023 per site:

  • Livingston: 400
  • Hope: 608
  • Southpoint: 475
  • Grant: 338
  • Riverview International Center: 358
  • Southpark: 185

YTD:  Individuals/families served:  2,364

Click the image below to read the full December 2023 PUPdate.

New Year Reminders

Inclement Weather Plan

Since Heart to Heart food pantry is an essential service for many, we will make every attempt to remain open during regular business hours if it is deemed safe to do so. Conversely, if we do not have appropriate volunteer staffing, we may have to close even when the offices remain open. In the event we are closed, we will make note on our outgoing voicemail, on our Facebook/Instagram page and on our webpage. Volunteers for the day will be notified by email as soon as a decision to close has been made.

Volunteer Covenant

We agree to foster a welcoming culture of kindness and respect that upholds the worth and dignity of every person, striving to listen with empathy, and use teamwork to carry out the mission and vision of Heart to Heart.

Mission & Vision

The mission of Heart to Heart is to respond to God’s commandment to love one another.

The vision of Heart to Heart is to model God’s love by:

  • Cultivating a loving community
  • Honoring individual gifts
  • Feeding bodies and souls

…and seeing everyone as a child of God.

Special Skills

We understand not everyone can or wants to volunteer during our regular weekly shifts, but may still want to contribute to our overall success. Heart to Heart is on the lookout for a few volunteers with specialized skills to help with projects from time to time. Please let us know if you have a particular interest or are skilled in:

  • Woodworking, DIY, Building
  • Social Media
  • Community Advocacy
  • Elementary Education
  • One time assembly projects (eg. birthday bags)

While we may not have a related project in mind at the moment, these are some needs we have encountered over time and we would love to know who might be interested in helping with these things in the future. Have another skill or interest you think may be useful? Let us know!

Volunteer Training Opportunities

Mid-Ohio Food Collective Trainings

The Mid-Ohio Food Collective offers regular training opportunities for food pantry staff and volunteers. Trainings on FreshTrak and Food Safety will help you learn more about pantry operations and make you an even more effective volunteer! They also occasionally offer training on advocacy, and other topics that may be of interest to you.

For most trainings, volunteers will need to register with an agency name and number: Heart to Heart Agency #1042

Register Online at MOFC Agency360

Advocacy 101

Join the Conversation

MOFC’s Government Relations Team- Tim White and Hallie Carrino-Lee will host an open forum to discuss the State Budget and its effects on essential programs and benefits for your customers.

Explore ways to push back and advocate against the continued assault on SNAP and othe Hinger/Feeding issues and what’s happening on Capitol Hill.

Bring your questions and prepare to engage! Registration is required. This session of Advocacy will be held via ZOOM.

  • Thu, Feb 22 at 10 am

MOFC Food Safety Training

Level 1 Person In Charge

This training was developed by Feeding America and ServSafe for those who partner with foodbanks and is relevant to the work you are doing in your communities.

The course is online, at no-cost to your agency and once taken and successfully passed, the certification never expires for the person who takes the training!

Questions? Contact Ann Miller-Tobin at amillertobin@mofc.org

The following dates and times are available:

  • Mon, Feb 5, 10 am to 12 pm

Healthcare Navigation

Embarking with MOFC

Join us for an enlightening information session on Get Covered Ohio, hosted by the Mid-Ohio Food Collective’s Healthcare Navigation Team.

With the combined efforts of eight local and regional organizations providing Navigator services, learn how MOFC is connecting Ohioans with free information and assistance on health insurance. This 90-minute session promises valuable insights into exploring, enrolling, and optimizing health coverage options in your communities. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to empower your customers, partners, and yourself – mark your calendar and be prepared to join us online, over Zoom!

Questions? Contact Nicole DeLozier at 614-230-9166 or ndelozier@mofc.org

  • Wed, Jan 24 at 9:30 am

FreshTrak Basic Training

(FKA PantryTrak)

This online via zoom workshop will provide the fundamentals to get started with FreshTrak at your agency. Participants with learn how to administer the intake process using FreshTrak and will be guided on best practices for developing an efficient process in registering your clients. For agencies already using FreshTrak, this workshop will be helpful as a refresher of the basics.

Questions? Contact Ann Miller-Tobin at amillertobin@mofc.org

The following dates and times are available:

  • Tue, Feb 20 at 2 pm
  • Thu, Mar 21 at 10 am

December 23, 2023

By Weekly Update

Weekly Update

Statistics

Drive-Thru Households Served

  • 70 on Tuesday, December 19
  • 65 on Thursday, December 21

Pop-Up Households Served

  • 40 on Wednesday, December 20
Click for Monthly Stats

Holiday Message

Volunteers Needed

We are closed December 25 through January 1 for the holidays. However, Amy is organizing a Mission Workday and still needs several volunteers.

Friday, December 29

  • 10:00 am – 2:00 pm Mission Workday (7)

Tuesday, January 2

  • 8:30 am- 10:30 am Drive-Thru (3)
  • 10:00 am- 12:30 pm Drive-Thru (6)

Wednesday, January 3

  • 1:00 pm- 2:00 pm MOFB Shop-Thru (1)

Thursday, January 4

  • 8:00 am- 9:00 am MOFB Shop-Thru (1)
  • 8:30 am- 10:30 am Drive Thru (8)
  • 10:00 am- 12:30 pm Drive-Thru (2)

Friday, January 5

  • 9:00 am- 10:00 am Direct Retail Pickup (1)
  • 9:30 am- 10:30 am Cold Stocking Shift (1)
Sign up to Volunteer

News

Holiday Closing

Important Note about Donations

While the pantry is closed, we cannot accept any donations, perishable or otherwise. Staff will not be present to take care of the donations. While we are grateful for the generosity of our neighbors, leaving donations outside will attract rodents and other pests. Please plan to deliver your donations when we reopen on January 2.

December 29 Mission Workday

Amy Caskie will lead a painting, moving and reorganizing in Lincoln Road Chapel, the Annex, and main church building. Volunteering will benefit many Missions of the church, including Heart to Heart, Trading Post, and Refugee Ministry.

One of the main jobs will be moving some Heart to Heart storage into the previous bookstore off Brownlee Hall. The other major job is painting a room in the FC Annex building. This effort will require many volunteers with varying abilities! This is a great opportunity for students to get service hours while they are off school for Winter Break.

Sign up to Volunteer

Social Media This Week

Here’s what you may have missed this week! To see regular updates, follow us on

Save the Date

Mark your calendars for our annual dinner to celebrate our volunteers and show appreciation for all their hard work. We will meet in the evening on Tuesday, February 6 in Grace Hall at FC North. Please be on the lookout for more information as we continue to make plans.

Special Skills

We understand not everyone can or wants to volunteer during our regular weekly shifts, but may still want to contribute to our overall success. Heart to Heart is on the lookout for a few volunteers with specialized skills to help with projects from time to time. Please let us know if you have a particular interest or are skilled in:

  • Woodworking, DIY, Building
  • Social Media
  • Community Advocacy
  • Elementary Education
  • One time assembly projects (eg. birthday bags)

While we may not have a related project in mind at the moment, these are some needs we have encountered over time and we would love to know who might be interested in helping with these things in the future. Have another skill or interest you think may be useful? Let us know!

December 16, 2023

By Weekly Update

Weekly Update

Statistics

Drive-Thru Households Served

  • 65 on Tuesday, December 12
  • 67 on Thursday, December 14

Pop-Up Households Served

  • 43 on Wednesday, December 13
Click for Monthly Stats

Upcoming Holiday Closing

Important Note about Donations

While the pantry is closed, we cannot accept any donations, perishable or otherwise. Staff will not be present to take care of the donations. While we are grateful for the generosity of our neighbors, leaving donations outside will attract rodents and other pests. Please plan to deliver your donations when we reopen on January 4.

Volunteers Needed

These are the spots we still need filled for the week!

Monday, December 18

  • 8:30am- 9:30am Cold Stocking Shift (2)
  • 12:30pm-2:00pm MOFB Order Unload (7)

Tuesday, December 19

  • 8:30am- 10:30am Drive-Thru Volunteer (4)
  • 10:00am- 12:30pm Drive-Thru Volunteer (3)

Wednesday, December 20

  • 1:00pm- 2:00pm MOFB Shop-Thru (1)

Thursday, December 21

  • 8:30am- 10:30am Drive-Thru Volunteer (1)

Friday, December 22

  • 9:30am- 10:30am Cold Stocking Shift (2)

We are closed December 25 through January 1 for the holidays. However, Amy is organizing a Mission Workday and still needs several volunteers.

Friday, December 29

  • 10:00am – 2:00pm Mission Workday (10)
Sign up to Volunteer

Christmas Gifts

As a small token of our appreciation to our volunteers, we have a gift for each one of you. Please pick them up when you’re volunteering over the next two weeks, or when you’re worshipping at South Campus.

Volunteer Covenant

We agree to foster a welcoming culture of kindness and respect that upholds the worth and dignity of every person, striving to listen with empathy, and use teamwork to carry out the mission and vision of Heart to Heart.

Save the Date

Mark your calendars for our annual dinner to celebrate our volunteers and show appreciation for all their hard work. We will meet in the evening on Tuesday, February 6 in Grace Hall at FC North. Please be on the lookout for more information as we continue to make plans.

News

December 29 Mission Workday

Amy Caskie will lead a painting, moving and reorganizing in Lincoln Road Chapel, the Annex, and main church building. Volunteering will benefit many Missions of the church, including Heart to Heart, Trading Post, and Refugee Ministry.

One of the main jobs will be moving some Heart to Heart storage into the previous bookstore off Brownlee Hall. The other major job is painting a room in the FC Annex building. This effort will require many volunteers with varying abilities! This is a great opportunity for students to get service hours while they are off school for Winter Break.

Click the image below to sign up.

Special Skills

We understand not everyone can or wants to volunteer during our regular weekly shifts, but may still want to contribute to our overall success. Heart to Heart is on the lookout for a few volunteers with specialized skills to help with projects from time to time. Please let us know if you have a particular interest or are skilled in:

  • Woodworking, DIY, Building
  • Social Media
  • Community Advocacy
  • Elementary Education
  • One time assembly projects (eg. birthday bags)

While we may not have a related project in mind at the moment, these are some needs we have encountered over time and we would love to know who might be interested in helping with these things in the future. Have another skill or interest you think may be useful? Let us know!

Social Media This Week

Here’s what you may have missed this week! To see regular updates, follow us on

Thank you OSU Students

This week we say goodbye to the two OSU students doing their Semester of Service project at Heart to Heart. Colin and Maria were a great addition to our team, and we hear Maria might be back to help out next semester.

The good news is that come February, we have three new students participating in the program! Stay tuned for their introductions next month. Since the past semester was so successful, we are happy to welcome more students and hope this program will continue for some time!

Read more about the program

Blanket Distribution

This Monday we were able to distribute comforters to our clients. These items were available through Mid-Ohio Food Collective as a one-time donation. Thank you to our Worship Technology team for capturing this video at the last minute!

$20,000 Match Update

Fantastic News! As of today we have raised $23,765 since November 1. That means we more than met our goal to raise $20,000 in two months. We are so grateful to Duke Thomas for matching these donations in memory of his late wife, Jill Thomas.

Of course, donations are still welcome. Please visit h2h.FCchurch.com/donate to make a contribution. Thank you to our donors!

Christmas Assistance Program

Thank you to everyone that donated gift cards to our Holiday Help program this year. At the last minute, we received a $3,000 donation in gift cards from an anonymous donor, and a $5,000 grant from the Foundation that enabled us to buy the last of the gift cards needed. Including those families supported through the FC Youth Ministry’s adopt-a-family program, we supported 120 families this year.

December 9, 2023

By Weekly Update

Weekly Update

Statistics

Drive-Thru Households Served

  • 48 on Tuesday, December 5
  • 70 on Thursday, December 7

Pop-Up Households Served

  • 39 on Wednesday, December 6
Click for Monthly Stats

Christmas Gifts

As a small token of our appreciation to our volunteers, we have a gift for each one of you. Please pick them up when you’re volunteering over the next two weeks, or when you’re worshipping at South Campus.

Volunteers Needed

These are the spots we still need filled for the week!

Monday, December 11

  • 8:30am- 9:30am Cold Stocking Shift (2)
  • 12:30pm-2:00pm MOFB Order Unload (7)

Tuesday, December 12

  • 8:30am- 10:30am Drive-Thru Volunteer (4)
  • 10:00am- 12:30pm Drive-Thru Volunteer (3)

Wednesday, December 13

  • 1:00pm- 2:00pm MOFB Shop-Thru (1)

Thursday, December 14

  • 8:30am- 10:30am Drive-Thru Volunteer (1)

Friday, December 15

  • 9:30am- 10:30am Cold Stocking Shift (2)
Sign up to Volunteer

Social Media This Week

Here’s what you may have missed this week! To see regular updates, follow us on

Volunteer Covenant

We agree to foster a welcoming culture of kindness and respect that upholds the worth and dignity of every person, striving to listen with empathy, and use teamwork to carry out the mission and vision of Heart to Heart.

Special Skills

We understand not everyone can or wants to volunteer during our regular weekly shifts, but may still want to contribute to our overall success. Heart to Heart is on the lookout for a few volunteers with specialized skills to help with projects from time to time. Please let us know if you have a particular interest or are skilled in:

  • Woodworking, DIY, Building
  • Social Media
  • Community Advocacy
  • Elementary Education
  • One time assembly projects (eg. birthday bags)

While we may not have a related project in mind at the moment, these are some needs we have encountered over time and we would love to know who might be interested in helping with these things in the future. Have another skill or interest you think may be useful? Let us know!

News

December 29 Mission Workday

Volunteers needed. Click image below for sign up.

$20,000 Match Update

So far, we have received donations totaling $12,096 toward our $20,000 goal. That leaves us just under $16,000 to raise in 4 weeks! To make a donation online, please visit h2h.FCchurch.com/donate. Thank you to our donors!

Christmas Assistance Program

Click here for a summary of our Holiday Help Program this year to learn how you can participate.

Our volunteer team has signed up 120 families to be supported through First Community.

We need your gift card donations to help them have a Merry Christmas.

Upcoming Holiday Closing

December 2, 2023

By Weekly Update

Weekly Update

Statistics

Drive-Thru Households Served

  • 78 on Tuesday, November 21
  • 58 on Tuesday, November 28
  • 41 on Thursday, November 30

Pop-Up Households Served

  • 31 on Wednesday, November 22
  • 40 on Wednesday, November 29
Click for Monthly Stats

Social Media This Week

Volunteers Needed

These are the spots we still need filled for the week!

Monday, December 4

  • 8:30am- 9:30am Cold Stocking Shift (1)
  • 5:00pm- 6:30pm Shop & Stock (2)

Tuesday, December 5

  • 8:30am- 10:30am Drive-Thru Volunteer (5)
  • 10:00am- 12:30pm Drive-Thru Volunteer (8)

Wednesday, December 6

  • 1:00pm- 2:00pm MOFB Shop-Thru (1)

Thursday, December 7

  • 8:30am- 10:30am Drive-Thru Volunteer (3)

Friday, December 8

  • 9:30am- 10:30am Cold Stocking Shift (2)
Sign up to Volunteer

News

December 29 Mission Workday

Volunteers needed. Click image below for sign up.

$20,000 Match Update

So far, we have received donations totaling $4,131 toward our $20,000 goal. That leaves us just under $16,000 to raise in six weeks! To make a donation online, please visit h2h.FCchurch.com/donate. Thank you to our donors!

Upcoming Holiday Closing

Christmas Assistance Program

Click here for a summary of our Holiday Help Program this year to learn how you can participate.

Our volunteer team has signed up 120 families to be supported through First Community.

We need your gift card donations to help them have a Merry Christmas.

Pop UPdate

In November, the Pop Up Pantry, delivered to the following sites:

  • Nov 1:          Commons at Livingston – 39
  • Nov 8:          Hope Resource Center – 42
  • Nov 13:        Southpark/Franklinton Farms – 22
  • Nov 15:        Southpoint – 40
  • Nov 16:        Riverview International Center – 40
  • Nov 22:        Grant – 31
  • Nov 29:        Hope Resource Center – 40

Pop Up 2023 Monthly totals:

  • January:         153
  • February:       161
  • March:            190
  • April:               171
  • May:                226
  • June:              190
  • July:                188
  • August:           237
  • September:     215
  • October:          181
  • November:      254

YTD:     Individuals/families served:  2,166

Click for full summary

November 18, 2023

By Weekly Update

Weekly Update

Statistics

Drive-Thru Households Served

  • 80 on Tuesday, November 14
  • 62 on Thursday, November 16

Pop-Up Households Served

  • 22 on Monday, November 13
  • 40 on Wednesday, November 15

October Statistics

Visit h2h.FCchurch.com/stats for more info

Volunteers Needed

These are the spots we still need filled for the week!

Monday, November 20

  • 8:30am- 9:30am Cold Stocking Shift (2)
  • 5:00pm- 6:30pm Shop & Stock (3)

Tuesday, November 21

  • 8:30am- 10:30am Drive-Thru Volunteer (3)
  • 10:00am- 12:30pm Drive-Thru Volunteer (2)

Closed for Thanksgiving Nov 22- Nov 24

Monday, November 27

  • 3:30pm- 5:00pm MOFB Truck Unloading (7)

Tuesday, November 28

  • 8:30am- 10:30am Drive-Thru Volunteer (5)
  • 10:00am- 12:30pm Drive-Thru Volunteer (3)

Wednesday, November 29

  • 1:00pm- 2:00pm Mid-Ohio Foodbank Shop-Thru (1)

Thursday, November 30

  • 10:00am-12:30pm Drive-Thru Volunteer (4)

Friday, December 1

  • 9:30am- 10:30am Cold Stocking Shift (2)
Sign up to Volunteer

News

Upcoming Holiday Closing

Christmas Assistance Program

Click here for a summary of our Holiday Help Program this year to learn how you can participate.

Our volunteer team has signed up 120 families to be supported through First Community.

We need your gift card donations to help them have a Merry Christmas.

$20,000 Match Update

So far, we have received donations totaling $4,131 toward our $20,000 goal. That leaves us just under $16,000 to raise in six weeks! To make a donation online, please visit h2h.FCchurch.com/donate. Thank you to our donors!

Enroll Your Shopper’s Card

Through the Community Rewards program, Kroger makes a contribution to Heart to Heart every time you shop. In the quarter beginning August 1 and ending October 31, 2023  we earned $986.39 from the 254 participating households.

Enroll your Kroger customer loyalty card in the program today. Annual reenrollment is no longer required. Visit kroger.com/i/community/community-rewards and choose Organization #TB926 (First Community Church). When you login to your account, you can also see how much your participation earned for us last quarter!

Upcoming Holiday Closing

Pop-Up Pantry

Click to enlarge the PUP’s December service calendar . Visit h2h.FCchurch.com/pup for more information.

Volunteer Training Opportunities

Mid-Ohio Food Collective Trainings

The Mid-Ohio Food Collective offers regular training opportunities for food pantry staff and volunteers. Trainings on FreshTrak and Food Safety will help you learn more about pantry operations and make you an even more effective volunteer! They also occasionally offer training on advocacy, and other topics that may be of interest to you.

For most trainings, volunteers will need to register with an agency name and number: Heart to Heart Agency #1042

Register at MOFC Agency360

MOFC Food Safety Training

Level 1 Person In Charge

We are excited to announce that MOFC/Agency Services is launching a brand new Person in Charge (Level 1) Food Safety Training developed by Feeding America and ServSafe.

This training is targeted to those who partner with foodbanks and is much more relevant to the work you are doing in your communities.

The new FA Food Safety will be offered, online, at no-cost to your agency AND even more exciting is the fact that once taken and successfully passed, the certification never expires for the person who takes the training!

The following dates and times are available:

  • Tue, Dec 5, 2pm