An annual partnership between the Missouri State Highway Patrol and an area church has served more than 3,500 people in the region.
The need for clothes, food, baby supplies and pricey household items like laundry detergent increases annually in the region, said Mount Calvary Powerhouse Church Bishop Ron Webb. Distributions for the annual event started Saturday and were expected to continue through the early part of the week, until all items were given away.
“We serve eight counties,” Webb said Saturday, when distributions had reached 2,600 people by mid-afternoon. “Butler, Stoddard, Ripley, Shannon, Carter, Dunklin, Wayne and Reynolds counties.
“There’s widespread need,” he adds. “Every year the need increases.”
It was the largest event for the partners so far, he said.
Missouri State Highway Patrol Capt. Jason Pace noted the patrol is a proud partner.
“Since 1931, the Missouri State Highway Patrol has been committed to the service and protection of all Missourians,” Pace said Saturday. “This is another opportunity to serve.
“We’re here today to help distribute all these articles of clothing, coats and food. It’s an event we’re happy to man, and very happy to support.”
The church’s large parking lot overflowed with guests eager to receive the bounty offered by the church and funded by cash and food donations. Cars wound slowly through the ground’s single file. Church volunteers, troopers and other law-enforcement personnel loaded vehicles with groceries, warm coats and other items as they passed through.
“A group of three physicians who wished to remain anonymous donated nearly 500 hams,” Webb said. “And businessmen and women donated right at 1,000 coats.
“Another vendor donated several large vats of laundry detergent. They can bring empty containers and we fill them.”
The large church entry was filled with brightly-colored new clothing and warm-looking, brand-new winter coats. They were spread out on the stone and carpeted floor, sorted by gender and size, some stacked as high as five feet.
Groceries in large containers and piles of cartons were sorted and added to plastic shopping bags until they could hold no more. The bags were moved outside to volunteers and officers who greet carloads of people and packed those vehicles quickly.
The overcrowded parking lot emptied as cars made their way to the final stop of the event, the distribution of laundry detergent.
A volunteer arrived with 50 empty containers with lids and others filled those for troopers and law-enforcement personnel to distribute.
“This is what we do,” Webb said. “This is what we’re called to do.
“We have a fantastic, loving congregation that is dedicated to helping others. It’s a humbling experience and one we anticipate greatly every year.”
For more information about the church at 1875 Speedway Dr., Poplar Bluff, and its outreach programs please access its Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100068680944795, the website, https://www.ronwebbministries.com/visit_us, or call 573.686.7844.