Efforts to secure a new facility and a new location for Bread For Life Food Pantry accelerated last week.

Pastor Donna Doan said the committee overseeing the operation of the pantry met last week regarding the future of the food pantry, a community service program through the Greater Troy Ministerial Alliance (GTMA).

"Due to the increasing number of families we reach out to help, it has created space and parking concerns," she said. "Bryce and Carol Harris have been wonderful in allowing us space at our current location on South Lincoln Drive. However, we just need a larger building to serve the community's needy more efficiently."

Doan said the committee has been looking at existing structures but haven't been able to find a suitable one. Bill and Darlene Kintz, a retired couple, have stepped forward and committed their financing of a building and a concrete floor.

"Their need came to our attention and the Good Lord has been so generous to us that we want to give something back," said Bill. "As I found out more about the work of the pantry and its volunteers, this was a good opportunity to help the community, county and those with real needs. No one receives a salary and with a larger facility, even more people can be served."

Kintz, along with David Thompson, Peoples Bank and Trust Company, have already contacted businesses and individuals in getting financial assistance to help complete the building (plumbing, electric, etc.). An estimated $30,000 is needed.

"So far the response has been good," said Kintz.

What is needed now is someone to step up in regards to a possible location.

"We would need two to three acres in or near Troy," said Doan. "Most of the families we serve come from the Troy area."

Doan said the pantry is serving nearly 400 families per month. In 2008, 12,000 individuals found food relief and other assistance. Doan said the pantry is serving approximately 10-15 percent more in 2009. Distribution is each Wednesday (10 a.m. to 1 p.m. except the last Wednesday of the month when it is open 4-6 p.m.).

"Our food pantry board and volunteers are delighted with such an incredible opportunity that Bill Kintz has given us," said Pastor Doan. "It's hard to express how grateful we are. We are truly blessed and excited about the chance to have more inside space and more parking space to better help the people we are called to serve. We opened this facility 6 years ago in the face of need. It was an act of faith --and it still is! Every Wednesday before we open our doors we gather to give thanks for the blessings of donated food, and the volunteers who care; then we pray for the families who have lined up outside, that they be blessed by the food we offer, and by the experience of coming to the food pantry. It's hard to ask for help, and we make every effort to offer them dignity, compassion, and smiles along with boxes of food."

The public can assist with monetary donations to help with the building effort. A fund has been established at Peoples Bank where contributions can be made.

hecks may be payable to Bread for Life Building Fund. For more information, you may contact Rev. Doan, First Christian Church, Troy, at 528-4885 or Nancy Bendall, pantry director at 528-3646 or 528-8650.