The Brightside: Lazarus’ Pantry

Lazarus' food pantry has been resurrecting hope in the community for over 20 years. The program tries to meet many needs of its clients outside of food.

Every Tuesday and Thursday from 10 until 1 people who need a hand in Wicomico County come out..

"As you know deodorant, body wash that type of thing is pretty expensive including diapers. So as our clients come in and they are in need of this we have that on hand."

The pantry has well over one-thousand clients who use the service. Each one is allowed to visit up to once a month.
On distribution days as many as 10 volunteers are  on hand to give out bags of food and process new clients.

"When the people come in, we ask them for their ID. If they aren't a new client, we pull their card and make sure they haven't been here this month."

Volunteer Martha Roberts says the people who touch her the most through her volunteer work are seniors. 

"We have some ladies that are elderly that are just you know they need help and they are just a joy to be around."
Even though the pantry has plenty of food on-site organizers say can always use a helping hand.

 "Well I hope people realize that we do need help volunteer-wise and also donation-wise because we want to make sure that we take care of our elderly, plus our young families."

 Mildred Wallop says she gets some assistance from the state but the pantry makes all the difference. 
  
"Honey this has been a Godsend for me. I only get 15 dollars worth of food stamps and trying to budget that out with me being a diabetic is very hard on me. " 

Although there are some income and residency requirements, leaders say everyone gets help if they come asking for it.

Mildred says its been a life-changing experience. 

"It makes a big difference in my life baby."