If you want something done, ask a busy person!” This is what Patricia Mann has found to be very true. Patty is the Volunteer Director of Crossroads United Methodist Church Food Pantry along with her husband Gary. They serve over 275 families the last two weeks of each month with food for 4 days for each member of the household.
To help with the organization of everything, Patty says that she is a list maker and her calendars serve as a constant reminder of the things she needs to do. “I make an overall plan of action involving everything I need to do for the next three to six months and then I prioritize the actions.” Patty’s responsibilities involve working daily with Mid-Ohio Food Bank to order the best deals and freshest food available for her clients. “We pick up approximately 16,000 pounds of food every month, transport, stock and fill orders and are constantly updating items in our pantry.” Patty also applies for various grants and funds and the pantry was able to partner with the Rome Hilliard Meijer store this year in their “Simply Give” campaign. This program raised over $12,000 for the pantry to use.
Patty started the Free Community Meal which is the third Saturday of every month and has become a haven for many needing a hot meal and a friend. Patty, in conjunction with Mid-Ohio Food Bank, also began their Free Farmers Markets where every spring, summer, and fall they provide fresh fruits and vegetables to anyone in need.
With everything that Patty’s involved in, she has a great support system in her family. Patty thanks her husband Gary for all of the success in her undertakings. “He is my most ardent supporter, working right alongside of me. He is the one who frequently has to rein me in from taking on more than I should do!” Patty and Gary once bought lunch for a homeless man who was in a Burger King warming his hands around a cup of coffee. “He never asked, we just felt compelled to do it.” Patty says that there are times when they may have been taken advantage of but they could never have lived with themselves if they didn’t help and the need was true.
Patty is also thankful for a wonderful group of volunteers at her church and many of the local community members, who come to help unload trucks, serve food, bag produce or even sweep parking lots.
“I have always felt that God puts you exactly where He needs you to be, when He needs you to be there. None of us might ever know whose life we improved or even saved by sharing a kind word, a smile or a hug.”