Serving Lamar County, TexasAbout Us
Where We Have Been:
The present Downtown Food Pantry had its inauspicious beginnings in a small room in the basement of the First United Methodist Church. The year was approx. 2002 and the need to “feed the hungry” was a growing concern. The pantry at that point was stocked with donations of non-perishable items and by generous monetary giving. Apparently this mission had the blessing of the LORD because the demand kept growing. It was moved to a larger room and the decision was made to purchase our food from the North Texas Food Bank. After several years, the 800 sq.ft. was inadequate so the former 1200sq.ft. Co-Ministries building at 3454 Clarksville was refurbished hoping that it would fill our needs. The building could serve 500 families a month easily but the LORD was now sending upwards of 800 so a search was started for a larger building.
To see images of our former location at 345 Clarksville Street, click here. Please note that you will leave Downtown Food Pantry web site if you click the link but can return by using your web browser's "back" button.
Where we are today:
Up to this point The First United Methodist of Paris Texas has been the prime force behind THE DOWNTOWN FOOD PANTRY as the above history reflects. However, our goal is that this venture will evolve into a separate, stand-alone, community support effort. To achieve this goal a separate 501(3C) corporate charter is working its way through the legal maze toward fruition. This new corporation will be completely separate and apart from The First United Methodist Church with its own board of directors. This Board is to be made up of representatives from various churches, clubs, companies and other organizations that wish to be a part of and are interested in providing this truly Christian mission to the hungry of Lamar County.
Our Board of Directors
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Role |
Name |
Phone Number |
Email |
|
Chairperson |
Jo Ann Parkman |
(903) 785-8324 |
joann@parkman.com |
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Class of 2010 |
Michael Lewis |
(903) 785-7123 |
hmlewis@postpro.net |
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Class of 2010 |
Sherry Scott |
(903) 783-0718 |
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Class of 2010 |
Marvin Simmons |
(903) 783-0583 |
msimmons35@aol.com |
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Class of 2010 |
Ginna Walker |
(903) 785-1415 |
ginna@suddenlink.net |
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Class of 2010 |
Donna Wilkerson |
(903) 739-2717 |
dgwcew@hotmail.com |
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Class of 2010 |
Lance Wyche |
(903) 785-8583 |
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Ex-Officio Director |
John Kirkman |
(903) 785-9730 |
jkirkman@fumcparistx.org |
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Senior Pastor |
Van Lazaroff |
(903) 784-1333 |
van@fumcparistx.org |
Families Served - 2009 through July 2011
Income and Expense
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The Downtown Food Pantry
Address:
124 W. Cherry St.
Paris, TX 75460
Phone: 903-737-8870
Hours:
Tuesdays: 1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Thursdays: 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
E-mail: jkirkman@fumcparistx.org