We are so thankful for the hands and hearts who serve and donate to Ministry Village. Earlier this year, the 7TH Grade Department at Olive’s Middle School Ministry set out to make a difference in our community. They chose to serve through Ministry Village, and they made a heartwarming difference to the Charis House ladies as well as many families that received food from the Tender Hearts Food Pantry.

“Our theme for the year was hospitality, and we brainstormed ways we could show hospitality while serving others, as well as serving within the church,” explained parent and middle school leader Shannon Vinson. “We decided to throw a free movie event in December in the 678 building.  We had 3 different showings of The Star and served popcorn, candy and drinks.  The kids asked for donations to go toward service projects. One of those projects was a breakfast we were hosting at church for the ladies of the Charis House.”

“While the movie was playing we put together some small gifts for the ladies and decorated the room we were using for the breakfast. Every kid played a part the entire weekend-- serving popcorn and candy, greeting the moviegoers, telling the audience about our plan, cleaning up, serving breakfast, decorating, and more. At breakfast, we had conversation starters on the tables to encourage the kids to talk and interact with the ladies.  They did a great job and truly made the ladies feel welcome. It was fantastic watching hospitality in action!”

“After paying for the breakfast, there was still a large sum of money left over. Because of the needs of the Tender Hearts Food Pantry, we decided to put our money there. One Sunday after church, we fed the kids pizza and then loaded them up for a trip to Sams Club!  Kids divided into teams and were armed with their list of items to purchase.  We stacked the food in the 678 foyer and 6th and 8th graders also contributed to the donation.”

In April, the middle school leaders took the kids over to the Ministry Village office and they were able to “pack the pantry” with all the food donated by the middle schoolers. After MVO employees tallied the food values, the middle school donation came to nearly $1600 worth of food!

“We are so proud of their willingness to help with these projects, and we hope they will continue to serve!” said Shannon.

Thank you to the 7TH Grade Department at Olive for hosting the movie night, providing breakfast for the Charis House ladies, and shopping for the food pantry! And thank you to all of the Olive Middle Schoolers and their families for supporting Ministry Village at Olive this Spring by helping to Pack the Pantry!

Now you can Pack the Pantry too and follow the lead of these fantastic students! It’s time for the July 5TH Sunday Food Drive on July 31!

• The 5TH Sunday Food Drive will be accepting donations on Sunday, July 31st at Olive Baptist Church. Tables will be setup for collection in the foyer, the ROC, and the preschool.

• All nonperishable items are accepted. Items that are in high need include CANNED MEAT (TUNA/CHICKEN/SPAM), PEANUT BUTTER, & SPAGHETTI SAUCE.

• The Tender Hearts Caring Hands Food Pantry accepts donations Monday through Friday, from 9AM to 2PM at the Ministry Village at Olive office (1716 E. Olive Road). Donations of nonperishable food items and travel-size hygiene items are accepted. Financial donations are appreciated and go toward purchasing the items THCH distributes each day. Supporters can also make purchases through Amazon and items can be shipped directly to the Ministry Village at Olive office.

• The Tender Hearts Caring Hands Food Pantry provides food Monday-Friday from 10AM to 12noon at the Ministry Village office (1716 E. Olive Road). For holiday and weather closures, the most up-to-date hours are posted on the Ministry Village at Olive Facebook page.

• To donate financially to Tender Hearts Caring Hands or any Ministry Village program, click here.