Written by Ben Cox – Local wine bar La Sorella is working with St John’s Church in Brownwood to help local people who are doing without.
Leona Cleveland, owner and operator of La Sorella, says she “created this fundraiser after a long discussion one evening with one of their volunteers.”
During that conversation it was revealed to Cleveland that the needs being met by the food pantry has almost quadrupled in recent years from its original assistance. Cleveland says “they have gone from serving about 40 families not too long ago to feeding 150 at present time.”
So, in order to fill the pantry, Cleveland decided to offer a bowl of her delicious soup in exchange for groceries that are most needed by the food pantry, a list of which is available on the “Soup for the Soul, Soup for St. John’s” event page.
St Johns pastor, Father Michael Mobley, says “I think it’s great! We need the help! In the last four months we have been averaging about 150 families a week come through our food pantry. We used to buy our food from an outreach in Abilene, but after all the hurricanes and weather in the gulf we have been forced to buy it from a much more expensive location. So, if people can donate canned protein, like meat and peanut butter and things like that, or any canned item it will help.”
Cleveland says it’s simple, “just bring me a bag of the groceries listed on the event page (canned vegetables, fruit) , canned meat products (chicken, tuna etc) Stove top stuffing mix, Tissues, toilet paper, diapers.
And in return I give you a bowl of soup with bread. Feed your soul and your stomach!”
La Sorella is located at 2803 Austin Avenue, you can call (325) 203-2891 for information or visit their Facebook page.
The food pantry is held every Wednesday from 11 to 1 and can be reached by calling the church at 325-646-7482.
