Volunteers turned out at First Ward Living Grace Pantry again to make sure Pine Bluff-area families do not go hungry for spring break.
The pantry on Commerce Road held its Spring Break Carnival and Easter Giveaway on Sunday. Southeast Arkansas College and its executive director for institutional advancement and community relations, Barbara Dunn, were honored for their sizable contribution to the pantry.
"They donated a check for me to be able to get 80,000 pounds of groceries. That's why we honored them," pantry director Deborah Allen said. In all, the pantry gave away 90,000 pounds, Allen said after the event.
Among the items given away were hams, whole chickens, skinless chicken breasts and backpacks of snacks for kids. Milk, juice, water and cabbages were also available.
"We didn't run out and had enough for the volunteers to take home," Allen said.
Dunn's family members accepted an award on her behalf as she was traveling out of state.
"The mission of the First Ward Living Grace Pantry is to eliminate hunger by providing residents with access to good healthy foods," Dunn said. "SEARK College is excited to partner with such an amazing program. Deborah Strickland Allen is doing an excellent job! I am honored to receive the recognition today!
"Together, we all can make a difference."
About 300 cars, Allen said, lined up all the way to Dollar Tree on East Harding Avenue awaiting to receive much needed goods. Meanwhile, younger visitors met Mickey and Minnie Mouse and spent their time in a bounce house while others were treated to a barbecue.
James Rice and Super 1 Foods fed the volunteers, according to Allen.
Sponsors included Saracen Casino Resort, Super 1 Foods, Sissy's Log Cabin, Summit Community Care, Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church, Arkansas Food Bank and Sherwin Williams.
Ninety thousand pounds of groceries were given away at First Ward Living Grace Pantry's Spring Break Carnival and Giveaway on Sunday, March 17, 2024. (Pine Bluff Commercial/I.C. Murrell)
Ninety thousand pounds of groceries were given away at First Ward Living Grace Pantry's Spring Break Carnival and Giveaway on Sunday, March 17, 2024. (Pine Bluff Commercial/I.C. Murrell)