Local mission group gathers food, other goods

For the past four years the Faith Mission Outreach, located in downtown Russellville, has offered food, clothing, toys and much more to the people of Franklin County.

Matthew Mangino owned the Mission until 2009 when Calvary Baptist Church pastor, Dr. Wade Wallace, was talked to about taking it over. The mission was reopened in October of 2010 by Wallace and Calvary Baptist Church. The purpose of The Mission is to meet the needs of the people of Franklin County.

“The Mission has really opened my eyes that there are a lot more needy people in Franklin County than we realize.” said Wallace. Faith Mission Outreach is run by Calvary and other churches in the area. Calvary sets aside a certain amount of offerings each month to keep the Mission running. Other donations of money, food, clothing, and other necessities along with volunteers continue to help out the people in need. For five dollars, Foodland will donate a bag of food to The Mission. There is a drop-off in the back of the building. You can drop off food, clothing, toys, and other goods. The Mission serves 250-300 families each month. One box of food is given to families of up to three people. Two boxes are given to families of four or more. On average there are about 20 food items in each box. Throughout the winter months the number of people in need rise. To receive help from The Mission you must live in Franklin County and must fill out a form provided by the U.S.D.A. You can pick up the forms at the Mission. Anyone can volunteer to help, just contact Calvary Baptist Church or The Faith Mission Outreach if you are interested.

“We just try to meet the needs,” Wallace said. “Maybe someone will get something they need through us that they wouldn’t have gotten otherwise.”