Greensburg Daily News, Greensburg, IN

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  • Pictured, left to right, are Rita Spencer, Mary-Lou Glover, Ronda Bartlett, preacher Mike Bartlett and youth minister Jason Shemanski of Westport Christian Church. Brent Brown

    Westport Christian 07.26.11
July 26, 2011

Westport Christian Church Rescues Food, Helps Community

Brent Brown Greensburg Daily News

Westport — Amid a lackluster economy and a dismal job outlook, a helping hand is something a great deal of area citizens welcome with open arms.

Westport Christian Church is doing its part to help those in need. Each Monday morning, members of the church hand out produce, cakes and many more food items to anyone willing to stop by and take them.

The food rescue program, which began last February, starts at 10 a.m., though many church members reported that several area residents begin lining up at 8:30. The church's program services an average of 165 to 180 people each week. These people come from Vernon, North Vernon, Greensburg, the outskirts of Columbus, Millhousen and Sardinia, in addition to Westport itself.

Residents wishing to acquire the free food wait their turn via a numbering system, though there is always plenty to go around. The food itself is collected by produce and bakery employees at the Greensburg Walmart Supercenter once it reaches or nears its sell-by date, and is subsequently picked up by church members. Several area farmers have been known to donate extra items from time-to-time as well. From Walmart alone, the church receives approximately 2,200 pounds of food each week.

Jason Shemanski, Westport Christian Church Youth Minister, mentioned that even unused birthday and wedding cakes have found their way into the hands of the needy.

Shemanski and other church members were also glad to point out that none of the donated food ever goes to waste. Much of the leftovers are later fed to chickens, goats and other animals belonging to members of the local farming community. One resident's giant desert tortoise has been known to make a meal out of the food offerings as well.

The food rescue program is one of many positive community contributions Westport Christian Church engages in. The church, which also goes by the moniker "the Port," and its members endeavor each day to stick to their motto of "impacting lives."

Westport Christian Church Minister Mike Bartlett stated that he and his fellow church members strive to "impact lives, not just locally but everywhere."

"We try to make a difference and give people hope," said Bartlett, known by many around the Westport community simply as "Preacher Mike."

Bartlett's wife, Ronda, noted that the satisfaction involved in giving to those in need makes it all worthwhile.

"We hear so many good stories from people; I leave here feeling higher than a kite. We're happy to help everyone. It's amazing."

In addition to the donations from Walmart and area farmers, the Westport meat locker recently donated 90 pounds of frozen hamburger. Bartlett and other church members stated they are grateful for all contributions.

The church is also striving to add to its 100 to 150 members who attend services each Sunday, and those members have stated that all are welcome. For more information about the food rescue program or Westport Christian Church, call Mike Bartlett at (812) 591-3807 or (812) 591-2913. The church also maintains a website at www.westportchristianchurch.com.

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