The numbers are in for our first Ruby’s Pantry distribution:

• 24 Pallets of food and personal items
• 397 Shares distributed
• 126 Volunteers

Our first Ruby’s distribution met and exceeded our expectations on what turned out to be a warm and humid evening. The line began at the church door around 2 p.m. and continued around the corner for hours. It showed the need for such an option in our area to stretch income and the many volunteers showed the support in the community to give a helping hand to our neighbors and friends.

While the distribution went well, we know there are areas we can improve on and will keep adjusting our process with each future pantry distribution. However, the basics remain the same. Registration starts at 4 p.m. and the distribution begins at 5 p.m.. People interested in getting a share of the donated items should bring a $20 cash donation and two baskets or totes. Volunteers are still needed and welcome. To volunteer or for more information on our next distribution, Thursday Oct. 17th, call Grace Lutheran at 433-3445.

If you have any questions or need more information about Ruby’s Pantry and our future distributions please call me at (507) 261-6040. Thank you.

— Bob Rosel

Promotion/Media Coordinator, Ruby’s Pantry Austin