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Old Stone Church serving local communities for 30 years
The Old Stone Church food pantry had their first distribution in June of 1994. Thirty years later they are continuing this important and great work of providing a necessary service to local communities, reaching beyond the distribution of food.
Pantry Director Donn VanSchelven reflects back to the pantry’s beginning. “I wanted to do something positive for the community and started the pantry. There were several meetings with Stateline ministers that felt that a food pantry was needed.”
In 1994, Stateline Ministries approached us and gave us 10 days to come up with $6,000,” said VanSchelven. Friends and the community came through and the money was raised.
After the pantry first opened they served 14 families. It was open to families in Hononegah and South Beloit school District’s who needed an extra measure of help.
Residents in Rockton, Roscoe, Shirland, Harrison, South Beloit and Durand are welcome to come to the pantry.
During the pandemic over 90 families a week visited the pantry. Today the pantry helps between 62-78 families per week.
Those who utilize the pantry are offered and given food with a gallon of milk, plus the option of medical and health advice. An RN is on site each week, and the pantry may assist in many emergency situations.
Behind the heart of filling this need is a team of 18 community volunteers, who stock shelves, pack bags, put food in vehicles, and they keep the operation moving smoothly.
Job loss, divorce, debt, pay cuts, low incomes, illness, or domestic abuse are some of the reasons that make the need so great at the pantry. More specific examples include single mothers who are receiving no child support who might be working minimum wage jobs that cannot pay the bills.
Temporary workers who make minimum wage get no benefits and are done in 90 days. Those who live on a fixed income (disability or other related struggles) have to stretch limited funds.
Many who the pantry serve are disabled and/or are temporary workers. Sometimes someone might be on the cusp of losing their apartment or are unable to pay their electric bill.
The pantry works closely with Roscoe and Rockton Townships to assist residents in applying for LIHEAP.
In addition to regular distribution, Thanksgiving baskets are distributed each year. Christmastime is made brighter with presents being provided for needy children.
Generous donations have allowed families a full meal with turkey and ham as well as some delicious pies, dinner rolls, buttered sweet potatoes; enough food for a family to enjoy a Thanksgiving dinner and food to assist them for the rest of the week.
Another way that the pantry reaches out is through a backpack program, which has been ongoing since 2011.
School district children who may otherwise have no food on the weekends receive backpacks full of basic foods to take home with them.
National Honor Society students have been integral in helping with the backpack program.
“We have nothing to do with any government agency. We have several dozen resources who have been with us for all 30 years,” VanSchelven said.
Through the years, various schools, churches. Nonprofits and organizations, business leaders, foundations, businesses and the entire community have shown strong support by donating non-perishable items, have given financially, volunteered or lent a hand in supplying other needs such as services or toiletries. Food drives and special collections have also been conducted.
The Old Stone Church Food Pantry is open on Thursdays from 9 to 11 a.m. noon.
Originally requirements to receive the food and extra offering someone had to be referred to the pantry, and have a picture ID. There could be absolutely no signs of or the smell of being a smoker.
Current requirements to receive groceries include a valid state identification card or driver’s license, along with proof of current residency.
Donations are always welcome, and are greatly appreciated. They can be dropped off by contacting VanSchelven to arrange someone to meet donors at the church or by placing items in two clean bins located outside of the church. All food items must be unexpired.
VanSchelven is always quick to express appreciation and thanks to everyone who has and continues to support the pantry and its mission.
All who are able are encouraged to join in making a difference in the lives of others by filling a basic human need, just as the Old Stone Church Food Pantry has continued to do for the past 30 years.
