Thank You

Gratitude is sweet every day. During the holidays, we are reminded to thank God for His goodness and His blessings.

At Love Thy Neighbor Food Pantry, we have so many reasons for which to be thankful. Reverend Kevin and I started a few years back by handing out food to our neighbors in need from our driveway in Essex, Maryland. We served an estimated twenty (20) to thirty (30) individuals each week. Currently, we assist nearly 1200-1500 weekly. This is in addition to Kevin’s woods ministry.

Preparing for a weekly food giveaway takes several days. Food needs to be picked up, taken inside the building, and stocked on shelves. The building also needs to be cleaned and sanitized. Our amazing volunteers work hard to serve our community. We are so thankful for each one and for all they do.

We thank Ms. Catherine of “Let’s Eat, Inc.” for assisting Kevin in starting the food pantry. Originally, he thought he was going to help her and asked where she wanted several boxes of food to go. Her response was, “Take them to your food pantry.” Kevin replied, “I don’t have one.” Her cute response of “You do now” was the birth of “Love Thy Neighbor Food Pantry.

We also want to thank our sponsors and everyone who gives a monetary donation. We are a non-profit, 501 C3 company, but we still have bills running this ministry.

We also want to remember those who gave their time and support in prayer and encouragement. Kevin is one of several ministers at the House of God in Essex, Maryland. We want to thank the legacy of Kevin’s Pastor, Bishop Dr. Jacqueline Mae Tuggle Taylor who went home to be with the Lord on August 14, 2024. She was a beautiful lady who freely gave her love and support to everyone she met.

Speaking of legacies, a big hug goes to Pat Scally, Kevin’s Mom and my Mother-in-Law. She is a lovely lady who freely gives her time and support between family, church, and recently our pantry.

Another non-profit that gives freely to their community is the “Streets of Hope” ministries.

I would need a book to share all that Kevin Miles means to me and to everyone who knows him. Wait, I do have a book in process, but it needs an editor’s touch. Please, let me know if anyone has this talent or knows someone who could assist. Meanwhile, I’ll share a couple of chapters here.

As the work of “Love Thy Neighbor” grows, I want to thank our clients. Just this past week, we had a free raffle for turkeys since we didn’t have enough for all the families we serve. We witnessed individuals giving away their turkeys to others who didn’t have another way of getting one. I believe God will bless them in so many ways.

Most of all, we at “Love Thy Neighbor Food Pantry” want to thank our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. None of this could be done with out Him.

“Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Ephesians 5:20 (NIV)