Loaves and Fishes, part of Catholic Charities, has recently undergone some management changes.
In April Kevin Richmond took over as outreach coordinator as well as manager of their thrift store. Richmond, along with Matt Atwood, the Catholic Charities regional director, wants the community to know that there will be some changes to the atmosphere. Richmond said there is “a new culture and a new attitude.”
Richmond wants everyone to know that they are there to help and provide aid to those in need. He said, “Everything we do is to try to help people out, that’s really what it’s all about here.”
Attwood said, “We’re very happy to have Kevin on board, he has done an amazing job in the time he’s been with us and I look forward to continuing to grow our service in Summers County with his help.”
This organization provides several different services including basic needs and emergency assistance, a food pantry and a thrift store. Every Friday the food pantry provides nutritious food items to individuals and families who meet the income requirements.
The thrift store carries a multitude of items at reasonable prices. Not only does the store provide a way for people to afford items they need, but all of the proceeds from the thrift store also go back into their programs such as the utility assistance program.
This program allows Loaves and Fishes to help pay utility bills when someone has a shutoff notice. It is a fairly quick process to apply and Richmond said they can pay up to $200 per case. They are also affiliated with Dollar Energy Fund. This is a program specifically for helping pay on electricity bills.
“Everybody’s welcome, we have a very friendly easy-going atmosphere here and if we can help people, we’re going to help people as far as our emergency assistance goes” Richmond stated. He went on to say, “We’re just trying to have a very positive attitude and trying to help the community in any way we can.”
For anyone interested in helping Loaves and Fishes continue their work, there are two options. First, anyone who would like to volunteer their time can fill out an application any time they are open. After submitting an application, Richmond stated that it is the policy of Catholic Charities to run a background check on all potential volunteers. As long as there are no issues there, the new volunteer will be put on the schedule.
The second option is to make a donation. This can be done by stopping by during hours of operation or by calling.
In terms of future goals, Richmond says they look toward starting new programs and being able to up their numbers with emergency assistance. He stated, “We are looking forward to the things to come.”
Loaves and Fishes is open from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Thursday and 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Friday. They are located at 207 Temple Street in Hinton. For more information, stop by during business hours or call 304-466-2110.
This page is available to subscribers. Click here to sign in or get access.