More than 220 families and 130 single people line up outside the doors of Pierre Toussaint Food Pantry here on Dec. 15, Dec. 16, and Dec. 20 to receive food supplies and Christmas gifts for their families. Director of the food pantry, Sr. Linda Klaiss S.S.J., said that most of the clients are not homeless, but rather, people who can not afford enough food or Christmas gifts for their families.

Thanksgiving and Christmas are the busiest times.  “We packed 600 bags at Thanksgiving,” Sr. Linda said. And they are doing the same for Christmas.

The pantry has many volunteer helpers. “We are so blessed because we get support from donors. Because of that we are able to give gifts to kids,” Sr. Linda said. Also, seventh and eighth grades at St. Benedict’s do food drives to collect food.

However, Sr. Linda would like to see more help from the higher grades. “I would like if once a month everyone would bring in soup or a jar of peanut butter. “It’s not about the expenses, it’s about the awareness and support.”

Of course, even if everyone would donate, there would still be issues. “One of the biggest challenges is not only giving people food, but healthy food,” said Sr. Linda. In the summer and fall the St. Benedict’s garden donates fresh vegetables to the food pantry.

The food pantry has been busier than ever all year, Sr. Linda said. “People are struggling to provide food for themselves and for their family.”