Two local non-profit organizations will benefit from a donation made by Molina Healthcare of Mississippi.

The Storehouse Community Food Pantry and the River City Rescue Mission are two of the 12 nonprofits named as recipients of the gift made by the group in support of COVID-19 relief efforts. In all, the 12 organizations are splitting $26,000.

Earnie Hall, program director for River City, said the money could not have come at a better time.

“Their generosity is nice because we need all the help we can get right now,” Hall said. “And for them (Molina Healthcare of Mississippi) to go out of their way in times like these serving someone else, it’s definitely a God thing.”

Hall said River City feeds more than 100 people three times a day and provides, most days of the week, anywhere from 50 to 55 food boxes that are delivered to shut-ins.

Bill Mounger, who is the president of the Community Storehouse Food Pantry, said he was surprised when he got the call from the health care group and excited when he found out the amount of the donation.

“We feel very fortunate that they reached out to us and $2,000 will help us out a whole lot,” Mounger said. “We were very glad to get that. We have had some tough times and this will be a great help for us going forward.”

Plans are to use the funds to keep the shelves at the food pantry stocked, Mounger said, “So we can have enough food on hand to distribute.”

Hall was not sure how much River City would be receiving, but was appreciative of the contribution, regardless of how much it ended up being.

“If they gave us $25 we would be grateful,” he said.

Mounger nor Hall was aware of how they were chosen for the monetary donation.

The spread of the COVID-19 virus has put a strain on everyone, but thanks to so many generous donors, Hall said, they can continue with their outreach programs.

“We are just blown away by the number of people who contribute in hard times. It’s the Lord’s work. He said He would provide and He does,” Hall said. “He shows up and when we think it’s over He shows out.”

Since 2018, Molina Healthcare of Mississippi has been providing government-funded, quality health care to low-income individuals. The Company serves members through Medicaid (Mississippi Coordinated Access Network/MississippiCAN and Children’s Health Insurance Plan/CHIP) and Marketplace.

Others who were named as recipients include:

• Aberdeen Loaves and Fishes (Aberdeen)
• Brookhaven Outreach Ministries (Brookhaven)
• Feeding by Faith (Meridian)
• Heartland Hands (Southhaven)
• Manna House (Yazoo City)
• Mission Okolona Food Pantry
• My Brothers’ Keeper (Poplarville)
• Our Daily Bread (Canton)
• Saint Gabriel Mercy Center (Mound Bayou)