Story Submitted
Fifty years ago, Olivia Flowers and a small group at Christ Episcopal Church began a ministry to people in Jefferson County in need of food. When they heard of a needy family, they purchased food and delivered all over the county. That ministry turned into a formal food pantry when the church added space to store food. Monthly they gave food and kept food on hand in case of an emergency. Today it has grown into a community effort by Christ Episcopal and St. Margaret's Catholic Churches in partnership with America's Second Harvest of the Big Bend. The pantry now gives food to more than 100 families each month.
Olivia has been there through all the changes. She has worked quietly and selflessly these years and still regularly delivers food to a family. Recently, when she was in a local store, a young woman came up and hugged her and thanked her for bringing food to their house. She named all the items that were in the bag; peanut butter, tuna fish, cereal... The young woman was a child when the food arrived and she remembered it well. Later, I asked Olivia, "When did you deliver that food?" She replied, "Oh, fifteen years ago." This is only one of many people who well remember Olivia's generosity and appreciate her willingness to help.
Thank you Olivia, for all your goodness to your Jefferson County neighbors.
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