Area Churches Serve Up A Bit Of Hope

The “Hope Depot” is designed to help less fortunate families and individuals with services they may not get elsewhere.

Oskaloosa, Iowa – The Oskaloosa community is known for coming out to volunteer. On Saturday, the Hope Depot once again displayed what a caring community Oskaloosa really is.

On Saturday, “Hope Depot” made its return, in order to help serve underprivileged individuals and families in and around Oskaloosa.

George Filber has helped to coordinate the outreach program with several different area churches. This was the events third time, and is back after a two year break.

This year, free clothing, a family photo and some medical screenings were available to the public. Also available were free oil changes and free groceries.

All of the volunteers and donations were collected from area churches. Filber said the program is a good way for churches to initiate helping people locally. Filber mentioned that it’s not uncommon for churches to reach out to other places, but this program gives them an opportunity to serve those within the community.

In all, 48 families were helped, and 112 people made their way into the New Hope Community Center. The building is known to many as the old Jefferson Elementary School building.

Those that visited the program gave canned food, which will ultimately find its way back to those in need.

“We really appreciate everyone who participated”, said Filber.