Facing one of the most challenging years in its history, with the help from their community, the Palmyra Area Food Pantry pulled together the resources for an annual holiday tradition — the Christmas Store.
In 2020, the number of people seeking help from a food bank increased 60%, according to Feeding America. Millions of Americans face food insecurity because of COVID-19. Thanks to The Food Bank and its 140 partner agencies, food was one less problem for families during the holiday season.
The Palmyra Area Food Pantry is proud to serve their community through the pandemic’s challenges. During the summer, the pantry was not sure if it would be possible to stay open. In 2019, 60 families were being served. In the final months of 2020, 60-100 families were served each week during the pandemic. The demand for food increased but the donation numbers were low. Then, Sharon Wommack, co-director of the Palmyra Area Food Pantry, reached out to the Ministerial Alliance and wrote a story asking people to give. Since then, donations have increased steadily.
“If our community knows you need something, people are right there to help you get it,” Wommack said.
One tradition that remained at Palmyra Area Food Pantry was the annual Christmas Store. The store is a program the pantry organizes during the holiday season for the Palmyra community. At the Christmas Store, children can receive one big toy and two small toys for the holidays. In 2019, the pantry was able to provide gifts to 300 kids.
To follow COVID-19 guidelines, only one to two families were allowed in the store at a time. Outside of the store, there were markers six feet apart on the ground. Once one family went down the first aisle, another family was allowed in to pick out toys.
All gift items were donated from the community. After Wommack made a public appeal, the number of gifts doubled from 209. Among the gifts were hats and scarves made by local people. One woman made 300 stockings to hand out to children. Many toys were also donated by the community.
The Christmas Store was open every Tuesday in December leading up to Christmas. Leading up to the week before Christmas in 2020, 286 children already received toys. Wommack said she expected 100 more kids would attend before the end of December. "The pantry had to replenish toys after the second day of the store, with 2020 being Palmyra Area Food Pantry’s biggest year so far," Wommack added.
Thousands of local families across Missouri face food insecurity for the first time, and many could not afford holiday gifts. Partner agencies like Palmyra Area Food Pantry make it possible for more people to partake in treasured holiday celebrations. Wommack said there was one family of five she served who worried about what they would do during the holidays.
“Without our help, they would not have anything for Christmas,” said Wommack.