Volunteers prepared to distribute more than 800 bags of Thanksgiving groceries in the gym at Ada Jenkins Center Monday. (David Boraks photo)

By DAVID BORAKS
DavidsonNews.net

People who receive food assistance through the Loaves & Fishes pantry at Ada Jenkins Center in Davidson began lining up before 10 o’clock Monday to collect bags of holiday groceries donated by local churches and community groups. When the doors opened, they were greeted by a dozen volunteers who stood in front of a stage where hundreds of grocery bags awaited.

This weekend church-goers donated food, Girl Scouts baked pies and other volunteers supplied gift cards and other items for distribution this week to local families in need. The Thanksgiving food bags – which contain a full meal – are in addition to the families’ regular visits to the Loaves & Fishes pantry at Ada Jenkins Center, which amid the current economic downturn is seeing higher demand than ever.

Last year, Loaves & Fishes helped about 300 families with meals at the holidays. This year, the number is up to about 900, reflecting high demand overall for the pantry’s services. The pantry’s usage averaging about 1,240 visits per month through October, up 64 percent from the same time a year ago.

“The need is tremendous,” said Janice Whitcomb, a social worker and coordinator of Ada Jenkins Center’s Life Compass program. She was helping to coordinate this week’s Thanksgiving food distribution.

Fortunately, Ms. Whitcomb said, support has risen along with demand. “It’s unbelievable how generous people are this year. We have been touched by so many,” she said.

Davidson United Methodist Church volunteers collected 838 bags of Thanksgiving groceries Sunday. The groceries were delivered to Ada Jenkins Center for distribution to families in need. (Bill Giduz photo)

Davidson United Methodist Church members donated 838 bags of groceries Sunday during the church’s annual Harvest Processional, said volunteer Kelly Baker. Volunteers delivered them Sunday afternoon to the Ada Jenkins Center gym, and then returned Monday morning to help with distribution.

Jeff Hassel, associate pastor at the Methodist church, said the congregation in previous years provided Thanksgiving food through the Bethlehem Center in Charlotte. “This year we centered on Ada Jenkins because of the acute needs in our immediate community,” he said in an email.

The food distribution continues until 7 p.m. today, as well as Tuesday and Wednesday. Ada Jenkins Center staff will work the distribution line Tuesday, while members of the Kiwanis Club will help Wednesday, Ms. Whitcomb said.

Families in need are referred by the Loaves & Fishes pantry or other organizations, including Solomon House in Huntersville.

For more information about Loaves & Fishes pantry, go to www.adajenkins.org or call 704-896-0471, ext. 125.