SULLIVAN, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — Grace Church in Noblesville, Indiana partnered with Sullivan First Christian Church to aid Sullivan Families affected by the EF-3 tornado that devasted 200 residences in Sullivan, Indiana.
Putting up groceries can feel like a burden. But after their home and their kitchen were devasted by a tornado last month, Chris and Wanda Silcott are thankful to have a place to put their food away. The Silcott’s purchased a camper to call their temporary home while they continue to wait on answers from their insurance company.
Wanda Silcott was excited to put groceries away, “We have a camper that we can put food in the cabinets and in the refrigerator,” she said.
The Silcott’s know that not everyone is as fortunate but are grateful to the organizations who continue to serve those affected by the storm. One of those organizations is Grace Church. Partnering with Sullivan First Chrisitan they arrived Thursday to provide food to affected families.
“We’re here with an abundance,” Chris Lutz, Associate Pastore of Grace Care Center said. “And we want to share it with this community that’s been just so wrecked and ravished with this disaster,” he added.
A 53-foot trailer turned mobile pantry was loaded with free groceries and household necessities.
“It’s as close to a grocery store as we can get it,” Lutz said. “One of our founding principles is choice. And we believe that if someone comes to a food pantry no matter where that food pantry is, we give them a choice, instead of a box in the space of that choice. There is dignity, and when you’ve got dignity, there’s hope, and when you’ve got hope, that’s a lifelong sustainable change,” he added.
Our Father’s Arms, a food pantry and clothing bank in Sullivan, Indiana was located in the neighborhood destroyed by the tornado.
“On Friday morning, March 31st, we all said goodbye after we finished distributing food, then ‘see you Monday’ we said, and little did we know what was looming,” Don Ransford, President of the Board at Our Father’s Arms said.
The food pantry remained standing, but the condition was deteriorating. Volunteers were able to get everything moved out and stored thanks to generous organizations and volunteers within the community.
“We are not able to distribute food,” Ransford said. “We’re maybe two months away. So, anything other folks can do to help feed people in Sullivan County, we are greatly appreciative of,” he added.
“We couldn’t be prouder of what God’s doing when churches come together, an intersection to serve people in need,” Lutz said.
Churches, organizations, and people come together in the name of the Lord to support their local community.
“Our goal is to be God’s hands and feet,” Ransford said. “Matthew 25 says to feed the hungry and clothe those who need clothing and just show the love of Jesus to people,” he added.
“We just thank God,” Silcott said. “We know that everything’s going to be fine because we serve a loving God, and he’s going to take care of us, and we know that,” she added.
While the camper is just a temporary home for the Silcott’s they continue to be grateful.
The Grace Care Center’s Mobile Pantry will continue to carry out its mission Friday. Those in need are encouraged to schedule an appointment to take advantage of the pantry while it’s in town. To schedule an appointment, you can visit Grace Church online or call the Sullivan First Christian Church office at 812-268-4348 for more information.
