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There is an old saying, “Where there’s a will, there is a way.” After 35 years of providing food for those in need, our mission has taken on an improved and very necessary drive-thru distribution method.

For some years, we knew we needed a safe and more accessible way to serve the elderly and disabled clients as they pickup up their additional groceries each month. We also knew we needed a more efficient and quicker way for the overall loading system, especially during bad weather. We were not quite ready for another costly project as we just finished the new roofing, additional warehouse space, and air conditioning, electrical, and other necessary upgrades. But, the Good Lord had another plan — so here we are.

For the last month, we have been operating with only about one-half of our usual volunteer helpers since most are retired and many have their own health issues and cannot take a chance of getting the virus. But, the need to continue our mission is greater than ever before. We are still serving about 400 families each month, plus new families that are in need every week.

We appreciate all our donor friends for their gifts of food and cash. With the new warehouse space, we continue to receive food from Second Harvest Food Bank. Our ability to purchase food locally is very limited right now, since most stores are having trouble keeping their own shelves stocked. It takes very careful planning to supply the client’s needs and those who are in need due to the virus. But, under new temporary guidelines, qualification is determined based on need at the time of each visit. With the Good Lord’s help, we will continue to serve all those with needs to whatever extent we can.

The Bogalusa Help Center is at 350 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive in Bogalusa. Our phone number is 985-735-6404 and we are currently open 8 a.m. until noon Wednesdays only.

Prayers needed that we will all get back to normal soon.

Gene Hayman

President, Bogalusa Help Center