East Stokes Outreach Ministry (ESOM)

Our Food Pantry operates 3 hours a day, 5 days a week. People who find themselves in a crisis situation may come to our office and receive a crisis amount of food that will last approximately 7 days. They may receive food 6 times a year. However, if they are 62 or older, they may receive food every month because of the difficulty of living on a fixed income. We pay up to $100.00 of a cutoff notice on electric bills. We can offer up to $150.00 for fuel during the winter months when funds permit. Financial services can be received no more than once every 6 months.

Our Thrift Store is located on the same property as our Food Pantry. Our hours of operation are Monday thru Friday 9 to 12, Saturday 10 to 2, and Thursday 9 to 12, and 3 to 6. All donated items are sold, and the profit fully supports the work done for the ministry. Because of the gifts of others, The Ministry is able to offer free clothing from the Thrift Store to our clients when needed.

We work closely with Department of Social Services as well as King Outreach Ministry and use the same database. This allows us to keep up-to-date files, and keeps misuse of the system to a minimum.

East Stokes Outreach Ministry currently has 136 volunteers. The youngest is a 4 year old preschool group from Mt Calvary Baptist bagging dry beans. Our oldest volunteer is 90 and works every Friday in the office.

In 2014 our ministry helped 10,450 individuals in Eastern Stokes County with basic necessities like food and clothing. Last year 259 people found their way to our facility to ask for services who had never been to our ministry before. The need is great.

Without the prayers, and donations of many, we would cease to function. We appreciate your willingness to help us continue our mission in this community.