TYLER, Texas — A line of cars snaked around the outside of First Baptist Church Swan on Tuesday afternoon. Inside, a small group of people hustled to fill boxes with meats, vegetables and baked goods.
The church's food pantry, which is in need of volunteers, serves up to 325 families per week; however, they are in need of more volunteers to continue serving the community in Smith County.
As soon as a car rolls in, a box of food comes out and is placed in the vehicle.
"We've got plenty of people in the community who are actually needing help with food assistance, and that's what we do here at Swan Food Pantry," Michael Close, Swan's operations director, said.
The pantry is open on every Tuesday all year long. It's an operation that requires tons of resources and dedicated volunteers. For some clients, it's especially nice to have this resource during the holidays.
"It's supporting me and supporting my family," Caylee Ricketts, one of the pantry's clients, said.
Close said the two biggest challenges Swan Food Pantry is currently facing are lack of volunteers and financial donations.
Aside from spending on food, Close says there are other costs to keep the nonprofit up to snuff— but adding volunteers to the rotation is his top priority. He encourages anyone thinking about volunteering to give it a shot.
"We would love to have you down here," Close said.
Anyone wanting to get involved can send him an email @michaelclose@swanfoodpantry.org.
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