The Saddleback Food Pantry is an unbelievably vital resource to so many people in our community. Orange County – and specifically the Lake Forest/Mission Viejo/ Rancho Santa Margarita area – is not typically thought of as an area with families struggling to simply have enough food or toiletries or even baby supplies. But, truth be told, the economic downturn has affected people in ways they themselves never would have seen coming.

To see the impact Saddleback’s Food Pantry has made in just the short time it’s been in existence is incredibly encouraging. Thousands of people have been helped in huge ways and needs have been met in significant ways – and not just physical needs. The message of hope and Jesus’ love and provision is communicated each time someone comes to the Food Pantry thinking they’ll just get a bag of groceries and then be on their way.

Instead, the amazing volunteers at the Food Pantry show just how much the Christian community cares for each individual that comes to receive help. With Jesus’ example of gentleness and grace, the volunteers make sure each person leaves knowing how much they and more importantly, how much Jesus loves them and is looking out for them.

Any one of us can help the families and individuals who visit the Food Pantry in a number of simple ways. If you’d like to play a part in providing someone with hope, please let us know! You can either call 949-609-8333 or 949-609-8756, OR, you can e-mail ranam@saddleback.com.

It could be your neighbor that you end up helping.