L.I.F.E. Helping Families Since 1987

(BEDFORD) – Thanks to several churches combining efforts to make sure that families in need of assistance get help, Lawrence Inter Faith Endeavor provides a lifeline for those that are struggling.

L.I.F.E is supported by more than 40 churches throughout Lawrence County.

“The pastors and churches got together hoping to help more people, sometimes just the same people were getting help. Those that needed help were falling through the cracks, and the churches wanted to better track the assistance they were giving out,” said Donnie Hall Co-director of L.I.F.E.

The churches support the agency financially to help them carry out that mission.

Marian Bartlett fills an order at L.I.F.E. food pantry Wednesday afternoon. Bartlett is a volunteer for the organization.

In addition, L.I.F.E. sponsors “Life Blessings” in which each student is given a bag of nutritional food on Fridays to take home to help with food insecurity.

“This program makes sure students are not only fed during the school week, but also on the weekends,” said Hall.

L.I.F.E. provides emergency food assistance every thirty days in addition to emergency rent or mortgage/utility assistance.

“During the COVID-19 pandemic, the group did not have any volunteers for the last six months to make sure everyone was safe. We only utilized paid staff during those months. One full-time and two part-time employees did most of the work during that period of time. In the last couple of months we have been able to bring a few volunteers back,” said Hall.

Over the last couple of months things have started getting really busy for both the Bedford and Mitchell locations.

“The community has really supported our organization and for that we are grateful for the support we have been given,” said Hall.

The pantry delivers more than 12,000 items each month to families in need.

Services report from L.I.F.E.:

  • Families Assisted – 1,943
  • Food Given -115,756
  • Food Donated – 139,246
  • Homeless served – 71
  • New Clients – 108 families
  • Volunteers – 174
  • Volunteer hours – 3,484 hours

On Saturday, “Stuff A Bus” will be held at Jay-C Plus Store located on West 16th Street from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. in front of the store. “Stuff A Bus” is held annually to help restock L.I.F.E. shelves.

The crew of 1340 AM WBIW, Super Oldies 105.5 WQRK, and Litefm 102.5 WPHZ will be at the store gathering donations. This event is brought to by Rogers Group.

Those wishing to take part in this year’s event are asked to “Stuff A Bus” with food items, personal care products, and cleaning products are in high demand this year.

Here is a list of items needed:

  • pancake mix and syrup
  • canned meats
  • boxed dinners
  • baby food
  • canned pasta’s
  • spaghetti and sauce
  • mac and cheese
  • Ramen noodles
  • canned soups
  • saltine crackers
  • peanut butter and jelly
  • cereal
  • juice
  • canned fruit
  • dried beans
  • cornbread mix
  • loaf bread
  • hot dog buns
  • hamburger buns
  • dish soap
  • all-purpose cleaners
  • toilet paper
  • deodorant
  • body soap
  • laundry soap
  • shampoo
  • diapers
  • toothpaste

To find out more about L.I.F.E. you can go to their Facebook page. If you have questions call 812-279-4442.