One of the founders of the Pompeii Baby & Youth Pantry, Laura Andrews gives us this back story on how this wonderful mission came to be & was read aloud by Heather: “25 years ago, Heather & I wanted to do something to give back to our community. We had heard about the American Red Cross Baby Pantry, so we met with them, they donated baby items such as diapers, baby food, cereal, & some clothes and we planned a one day event! It was so well received, we started having it once a month, which turned into twice a month! We decided it was meant to be and we became THE POMPEII BABY PANTRY! We broke away from the Red Cross and started buying products from the Lansing Food Bank at $10 per pound and a yearly fee. With donations from the church charge and the community, we became self sufficient, serving many families in southern Gratiot County!!! For 10 years we did just that!!! Glenda Braman, Mary Toth, Connie Oberlitner, & Carol Smith continued volunteering and built it into a much needed and very satisfying community necessary staple!! They worked tirelessly to raise the funds for the beautiful building that stands and serves twice a month for anyone in need!”
Pictured are in front: Glenda Braman, Carol Smith, Connie Oberlitner, & in back: Heather Teagarden & Gretchen Burnham (in honor of her deceased Mom, Mary Toth.)