This November, Ross Medical Education Center in Canton had its annual Food Drive for the Thanksgiving season. This year, the Canton campus teamed up with Manpower hoping to donate more to those in need of food. As an incentive, in addition to the satisfaction that comes from helping those in need, the class that donated the most food received a pizza party on the last day of the Food Drive. There was not only one class, but two classes that donated the most canned and nonperishable food items. The Veterinary Assistant and Medical Insurance Billing and Office Administration classes were the top contributors to the food drive that will help many local families over the holiday. Maleshia Jackson, Medical Insurance Billing and Office Administration student, said, “The food drive went well. It makes me feel awesome to help people, I love it! Everyone should help people.” Kimmy Elliott, Office Assistant on the campus, added, “I was very impressed with the turnout from the students. We accomplished our goal of helping less fortunate families have a better holiday with their families, and it helped our students come together and feel great that they were able to help in some way.”
All the canned and nonperishable food items went to an outreach ministry located in Canton called Open Door Ministry. This organization was founded in 2000 by John Drouillard. The organization started with weekly Thursday night food giveaways in 2002. In 2003, they were able to reach about 80 families, operating out of a large tent. From Fall of 2003 until 2008, Open Door Ministry continued to serve up to 160 families operating out of limited, but increasing space. Finally, in 2012, the organization was able to purchase their current facility. In 2013, the outreach ministry was able to serve about 460 families each week, which resulted in 32,000 pounds of food per week. Open Door Ministry is a food pantry; however, the organization’s mission is not to just provide food to those in need, but to help them to be able to provide food for themselves. The organization accomplishes this by providing a food pantry, job bank, Open Door Ministry Graduate School, and one-on-one counseling.
To learn more about the Open Door Ministry and find ways you can contribute, please visit www.opendoorfoodministry.org. There are plenty of ways to donate food, money, and time to the impactful community organization.