From the Director’s Desk

So they sat down in groups, by hundreds and by fifties.  And taking the five loaves and the two fish he looked up to heaven and said a blessing and broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples to set before the people. And he divided the two fish among them all.  And they all ate and were satisfied. … And those who ate the loaves were five thousand men.

Mark 6: 40-44

It was thirty years ago, in the Spring of 1982 that talks began. A group of Lutheran Pastors shared a common vision- to form a central Food Pantry to assist their neighbors who were coming to their doors looking for food to feed their families. Throughout that year additional members joined this small group. They located a site, they made plans and they even painted a building. According to sources, founding member, Virginia Rady, came up with the name of COOL for Christian Outreach of Lutherans while taking a bath in July 1982. Her dream of a central COOL Food Pantry was eventually realized and in January of the following year COOL was officially incorporated and the Food Pantry opened its doors.

We look forward to celebrating our upcoming Anniversary with joy, although we are also saddened that the need to help is still so great in our community.  In fact, COOL Food Pantries are serving record numbers of guests and provide food for more than 3000 families each month. This means we distribute food for families to make 36,000 meals every month! Every day new families come to COOL Food Pantries who tell us they have never asked for help before.

We serve are neighbors who come to COOL with gratitude for God has surely blessed this ministry. His Grace has brought us through the hard times and his blessings that have brought hope to tens of thousands of individuals over the years.

Thank you for helping your neighbors in need!

Diane Thackston
Executive Director