The well-stocked shelves at the Community Food Pantry have director Rosalee Thompson thanking the community and organizations for their donations.

After a plea for more food donations last month, Thompson said several organizations and community members came calling, donating food and much-needed supplies to the pantry that helps families in need of their next meal.

Thompson said food and monetary donations started coming in a week or so after the pantry had to close for a few days due to the lack of food and supplies. The Covington News featured a front-page story about the pantry’s dire need.

On Tuesday, Thompson sifted through envelopes stuffed with monetary donations made out to the shelter.

Snapping Shoals EMC and the women’s ministry at Gum Creek Presbyterian Church are just two of the organizations that donated money to the pantry.

Thompson said monetary donations are used to buy additional food for the pantry.

She added that she makes sure to send personal thank-you notes to those who donate money.

Volunteers also sorted through carts Tuesday morning, placing canned goods and other food supplies on the appropriate shelves.

Rows of canned corn and green beans, jars of peanut butter, boxes of cereal and other food donations filled the shelves, which were bare just a month ago.

"It’s looking good now, and we’ve gotten a little extra," Thompson said. "We express thanks to the ones who helped us get out of the hole ... we’re still hanging in there."

The Community Food Pantry, a tax-exempt organization under the Newton County Ministers Union, opened in 1987 as a cooperative effort of local churches.

The pantry typically averages serving about 10 families in a day, Thompson has said.

The pantry’s food donations come from a number of churches, individuals, civic organizations, businesses and schools.

The United Way also donates funds to the pantry, and the Community Food Pantry works closely with the Department of Family and Children’s Services; FaithWorks, an organization that assists families in financial crisis; and the Salvation Army.

Families in need of food and supplies are screened Monday and Thursday mornings, from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. On Tuesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., eligible families receive food and other supplies at the pantry.

Donations of food and supplies can be dropped off at 7125 Turner Lake Circle SW, Covington, Mondays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., and Tuesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Monetary donations can be sent to: The Community Food Pantry, 1169 Clark St., Covington, GA 30014.     

For more information, call 770-784-0037.