Relocating the Storehouse Community Food Pantry was a big undertaking, but thanks to those in the community, the transition went smoothly over the weekend.

“We were overwhelmed, not only by the number of volunteers who helped, but also by their talents and hard work,” board president of the food pantry Bill Mounger said.

“Earlier in the week, the bad weather forecast for the weekend was a concern along with whether we would have the necessary volunteers, trucks and trailers needed to complete the move.  But we made it,” Mounger said.

On April 6, torrential rains caused a portion of a wall to collapse where the food pantry had been located and forced the group to find a new location. The food pantry had been in the building owned by Crawford Street United Methodist Church since 2012.

But on Friday, Mounger said, they made the move to their new location at the Good Shepherd Center, and are grateful for all those who took time out of their day to come and help with the move.

“Where do I start?” Mounger said, in trying to thank the volunteers.

Vicksburg Boy Scout Troop 102, led by troop committee member Ernie Smith, along with Clinton Boy Scout Troop 12 painted the space the food pantry will occupy, Mounger said. While Boy Scout Troop 638, led by assistant scoutmaster Richard Van Den Akker, helped pack up the pantry’s food, load and unload it at the new facility. And they helped load and unload the wooden shelving and other furniture and equipment. 

Mounger said the River City Rescue Mission provided a crew and a truck to assist in loading and unloading the food pantry’s freezers, refrigerators and furniture. “And Marcus Furniture provided us with the use of one of their trucks, as well as appliance dollies, making the move more efficient,” he said.

“The Storehouse Community Food Pantry has been so blessed. For the past six years, Crawford Street Methodist Church has graciously provided a home for us. Had it not been for the bad weather that caused a portion of the building we occupied to collapse, we no doubt would still be located there. However, in our time of need, Rev. Tommy Miller and the Good Shepherd Community Center stepped forward to offer us space so that we can continue our mission of providing food to those in need,” Mounger said, adding, “and our sincere thanks goes out to all who helped in the move. I just wish we could list the name of everyone who helped.”

The Storehouse Community Food Pantry will reopen on July 23 at 629 Cherry St., and for those interested in making a monetary donation, mail checks to 629 Cherry St., 39183.