Atwood First Baptist Church Food Pantry Volunteers Prepares Food Boxes

The Atwood First Baptist Church food pantry volunteers worked diligently to fill boxes for needy families in the area. Pictured, left to right, are: Val Nelson, Leo Walker, Emma Bailliez, Kristina Moody, Shana Bailliez holding Hannah, and Hope Walker. Photo submitted

By Doris Elmore
Staff Writer

Volunteers from the Atwood First Baptist Church were busy on Friday, March 27, preparing boxes with food for pick up Friday evening and Saturday, March 27 and 28. Normally, patrons are allowed to come in and pick out what they want or need, but due to social distancing the boxes were prepared for them this time.

Only a few volunteers were together to accomplish this task, but they know people are in need of groceries and may not have enough money to go around with so many businesses shut down at the present time.

Some regular patrons had called ahead for what they were needing, others just stopped by because Saturday was the regular day for food pick-up. The boxes were filled with staple items, along with other needs.

Approximately 100 boxes were packed for pick-up at a tent at the back of the Baptist Church.

The church partners with the Eastern Illinois Food Bank for this food. Some of the food is picked up in Champaign by local volunteers, and a delivery is made on Friday before the pick-up day with produce, etc.

Tim Walker and Shana Bailliez are in charge of the pantry, and they appreciate their loyal volunteers.

Thank you to all the volunteers and Eastern Illinois Food Bank for going above and beyond during this coronavirus pandemic.