CRESTVIEW — Sandra Bratcher, who has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and lives on Social Security benefits, appreciates a little extra help.
For food, that means regular trips to the Raymond Williams Mission Center, a New Beginnings Church ministry. The West James Lee Boulevard facility, the namesake of the church's recently retired pastor, provides groceries and clothing to needy county residents.
Helping people like Bratcher is fulfilling, volunteer Tommy Reaves said.
"It is people like her that make doing this worth it," he said.
In addition to being open Monday through Friday, the center opens the fourth Saturday each month for the United States Department of Agriculture's commodity food giveaway.
Soon, hours will change; the center will remain open on weekdays but the last Saturday food giveaway is June 28.
"We are going to assign everybody who comes on Saturday to come in one day, Monday through Friday," missions director Jimmy Smith said.
The decision allows volunteers to spend more time with family members and enjoy their weekends, he said.
Volunteers expect to see a daily increase in the number of needy residents with the change. Almost 400 residents come to the center's USDA days for groceries provided by Milton's Bay Area Food Bank and items donated by local Winn-Dixie and Wal-Mart stores.
To meet federal guidelines, volunteers register residents who come in monthly to receive one bag of non-perishable groceries.
The center provides additional groceries as needed during emergencies, Smith said.
That's reassuring for residents like Bratcher.
"I think it's wonderful what they are doing," she said as Reaves and Jodie Carter loaded her groceries in a taxi. "I just thank God that we can come and get this stuff."
NEED HELP?
WHAT: Free food, clothing for needy residents
HOURS: 9 a.m. to noon Monday through Friday
WHERE: Raymond Williams Mission Center, 404 W. James Lee Blvd., Crestview
CONTACT: 398-6760
Email News Bulletin Staff Writer Matthew Brown, follow him on Twitter or call 850-682-6524.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview mission limits service to weekdays, but remains committed to community, volunteers say