We just concluded an incredible day of meetings with city officials and the Bay County school board. Panama City is facing a crisis this summer. They have thousands of children still homeless due to the hurricane and are looking to Mercy Chefs for help.
I came today to finalize arrangements with city officials for Mercy Chefs to use one of the public schools -- Patterson Elementary -- to conduct ongoing feeding programs for children in the community. From this location, we'll be serving meals directly as well as sending food out to community programs throughout the city.
Having walked the grounds here, I'm convinced this is the perfect base of operations for our "Beacon Of Hope" efforts this summer. We have to do some repairs to the kitchen, and we have been given permission to transform some of the classrooms into bunkhouses for up to 80 volunteers and mission workers who will be coming to help with ongoing restoration efforts.
But here's my challenge...
As I've noted, this is an enormous outreach -- the total cost could exceed $200,000. We don't need that entire amount now, but we do need an influx of support immediately to get this project moving and on track for a June 1 opening of our "Beacon Of Hope" kitchen.
Can I count on your help?
Will you partner with me to answer the calls for help that are coming from pastors and city leaders and others in this community? Please go here to partner with Mercy Chefs to bring relief to Panama City and continue other vital efforts:
It's amazing what a profound impact Mercy Chefs has already had on this community.
This morning as we walked on the streets, some people recognized the Mercy Chefs logo and stopped us to thank us for all the meals we served. Some even cried at the thought that Mercy Chefs might come back this summer to help.
With your help, we are returning. If you haven't done so already, please ask the Lord how you can help. Then, let me hear from you!
God bless you!
Gary LeBlanc, Founder
Mercy Chefs
P.S. With these meetings, our "Beacon Of Hope" dream is quickly becoming a reality. I now have the official approval to move forward with our plans. Now, I must get the repairs done and get this kitchen staffed -- all in the next three weeks. We simply cannot move forward without the faithful support of friends like you. Please go here to make your tax-deductible gift to Mercy Chefs:
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