As we look back upon last year we are truly thankful for the amazing things that happened at God’s Marketplace, Food Pantry.

In 2010 we averaged 127 families per month. This past year, 2011, we averaged serving 187 families per month, and we are still growing.

It is such a blessing to see the support we get from so many areas. We have individuals who donate money to the Food Pantry on a regular basis and we have the support and donations of food from individuals on a regular basis as well.

So many churches donate food to us on a regular basis. We would like to thank them so very much for their support. They are:

First Baptist Church, Washington, (monetary support and volunteer workers); First United Methodist Church, Washington Presbyterian Church, Episcopal Church of the Mediator, Clifford’s Grove Baptist Church, Tignall Baptist Church, and Beulah Baptist Church.

We have also received donations of food from Bethel United Methodist Church, Shady Grove Baptist Church, Tabor Baptist Church, Fishing Creek Baptist Church, Danburg Baptist Church, Mt. Zion United Methodist Church, and Independence United Methodist Church.

A special thanks to the following groups and businesses that have helped us tremendously:

Missy and David Wilder at Bi-Lo for all their support this year.

Wilkes County School System food drives at all four schools.

Wilkes County Sheriff Mark Moore and his staff for all their work in unloading trucks of food.

Buddy Crews, Greensboro, Ga.

Terry’s IGA for its help and support.

Ingles Market for their help and support; Smith Farms; Hilliard Station (deer meat), Retired Teachers Association; Wilkes County Cattlemen’s Association; Dollar General, Tignall; Washington Ford, Ricky Lindsey; and the Pizza Hut.

The spirit of this community, this county, has been overwhelming. People have really pitched in and made our efforts so much easier.

This is God’s Marketplace. We truly believe that God has a hand and an eye on this place and for this reason we have been so successful.

We appreciate your support very much and ask that you continue to help us in the coming year. There are a lot of needy, hungry people in this county and we believe what we are doing is what God asks us to do -- to help others and to serve others.

Thank you all very much and happy new year.

Manager Buddy Lindsey and the GMI Food Pantry Staff