Volunteers dedicating time at Redbud Area Ministries to help community

BUCHANAN, Mi. –It’s national volunteer week, and many people are dedicating hours to helping others. One local pantry in Buchanan, has been helping community members for nearly 40 years.

On any given day of the week, around five to eight people will show up to Redbud Area Ministries to volunteer their time. Shane Kane has been a volunteer at Redbud Ministries for nearly three years.

“I’m a person who likes to give and do, and if I can help other people, that’s my best,” Kane said.

Kane originally was recruited by her friend to help out at the pantry. Now, she dedicates her time twice a week to the pantry.

When COVID-19 hit, she kept helpung, and was apart of the skeleton crew, and just like everywhere else, Redbud Ministries had to close down for a while, and then had to adapt and re-invent their services, providing curbside pick-up to those who would normally walk through the door.

The pantry has been in Buchanan for 40 years, serving those who struggle or are under-employed, are on limited income, and seniors.

From April 1 through April 15, the volunteers provided food for 53 families, and 145 individuals. That totals to 1,671 pounds.

Jan Nowak-Walters, the Executive Director, said it takes 450 volunteer hours a month to run the pantry. And without the volunteers and donations, Redbud Area Ministries wouldn’t be what it is.

“I cannot imagine the lack, the hurt, the disparity that would be present, if we weren’t present. We step into the gap when people are hurting,” Nowak-Walters said.

You can find more information on Redbud Area Ministries Facebook page and website. 

If you would like to donate to Redbud Area Ministries, they are looking for the following items:

• Canned meats
• Canned fruits
• Cereal
• Jelly
• Laundry Soap / Dishwasher Soap
• Spaghetti Sauce
• Monetary Donations