The members of Lane Tabernacle C.M.E. Church believe that helping those who are less fortunate is doing the Christian duty.
The church has a food pantry that helps feed individuals and families in 10 different ZIP codes.
An estate sale to raise money for the pantry is being held Friday, March 26 from noon to 6 p.m. and Saturday, March 27 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 19 Washington Terrace off Union, just south of Delmar in St. Louis.
The estate sale will include furnishings, computers, housewares and clothing from this historic home. The hundreds of items up for grabs include suits and entire bins filled with dress shirts and silk ties.
The second sale will take place by invite only to those who come out for the first sale. The second sale will include bigger furniture items.
All proceeds will go to the Lane Tabernacle food pantry, and all purchases will be tax-deductible as donations to the Lane Tabernacle Foundation.
Audrey Jones and her husband Larry are moving to Chicago. Larry Jones was hired as a medical director. Audrey Jones decided, instead of moving all of their items up north, selling them would help the food pantry and those Lane Tabernacle are trying to feed and clothe.
“I feel like it’s my Christian duty,” Audrey Jones said.
Minnie and Jerry Hall are church members who are retired. Both heavily donate their time to volunteer at the food pantry. Minnie Hall deals with setting up a tent and clothing the people who need it.
“It’s the greatest feeling to see somebody so happy with what you give them,” Minnie Hall said.
With the recent move of the food bank to Earth City, Lane Tabernacle has had difficulty getting everyone fed and travelling back and forth to get the food.
Jerry Hall is the driver. He drives to Earth City to get food from the food bank.
“When it comes to volunteering personal time to those who are less fortunate, it’s about a personal choice. You have to wanna do this job,” Jerry Hall said.
Currently, The Feed the Hungry Program at Lane Tabernacle serves 120-150 families weekly by providing easily prepared or ready for consumption groceries. Lane Tabernacle does not turn anyone down and does not have income restrictions.
This supplemental program serves families living in St. Louis City and County from 10 ZIP codes. Every dollar buys 10 pounds of food. During the years, the number served increased by 50 percent. Over 2,000 volunteer hours are required to gather and distribute the food each year.
“It’s for the church. It’s for God. I’m sure it’s going to go well,” Audrey Jones said of the estate sale.
Lane Tabernacle (the Rev. James T. Morris, pastor) is still looking for all ages when it comes to volunteers. Volunteers are still needed for helping Jerry Hall with loading and unloading the food. Call Lane Tabernacle at 314-533-0534.
To help with the estate sale or donate items, contact Audrey Jones by email audjones@aol.com or call at 314-454-6844.
