Pastor says mission is running low on food

Each meal draws about 50 people with more diners toward month's end.
By DENISE DICK
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- The Warren Family Mission will likely have to close its kitchen doors this week if more food donations don't come in.
"We have an urgent need," said the Rev. Tom Weaver, outreach pastor. "We have less food coming in and what's going out has nearly doubled."
The mission, 361 Elm Road, serves three meals per day, six days a week. Each meal draws about 50 people with 75 to 100 diners attending toward the end of each month as food stamps run out, the Rev. Mr. Weaver said.
The mission also provides emergency food for those in need.
"We have less food coming in and more people who are beginning to rely on us for support in this area," he said. "It's created a big deficit."
Canned goods and nonperishable food items are especially useful. Weaver also mentioned 10-ounce cans of soup, fruit, juice, sauce, tuna and salad ingredients.
"We need anything that's easy to prepare and economical," he said, referring to the number of people served.
To donate
Monetary donations allow the mission to buy necessary items that aren't donated.
"We need to get some help or else we're going to have to shut down," Mr. Weaver said.
Items may be brought to the mission office, on the Elm Road side of the building, and workers can help unload items from vehicles of those who donate.
The mission has been in Warren, first on Niles Road and then its current Elm Road location, about seven years.
Besides meals, the mission provides shelter for people with drug, alcohol and mental health problems as well as the homeless.
Sessions include counseling, Alcoholics and Narcotics Anonymous groups, job training, parenting skills and job application and resume preparation. Bible classes also are part of the mission's offerings.
The mission may be reached at (330) 394-5437.
denise_dick@vindy.com