Ironton First United Methodist Church is once again putting on the Harvest For the Hungry fundraiser for the downtown food pantry.

In 2010 the church sought help from individuals, other churches, businesses, and civic organizations in an attempt to meet the overwhelming need of the hungry in the community. Because of the outstanding response, the food pantry has been fully funded for 2011 and we have had no need to seek extra support throughout the year.

Now Harvest Time is coming up again and the need in the community remains and continues to grow. Because of the vast support in the community for the hungry the church has begun the process of expanding the food pantry to a dedicated facility on the corner of North Fifth and Railroad streets in Ironton.

The prayer is that with continued community support this expanded facility will be able to serve more food to more people as a tangible expression of God’s love and concern for them.

Oct. 16 is Harvest for the Hungry Sunday, and the church is asking that all organizations and individuals wishing to participate in the fundraising campaign join us for worship that Sunday morning at 10:30 a.m. as the church celebrate the Harvest.

Funds and pledges for the support of the pantry will be accepted that morning, but the church is accepting funds now and throughout the fall at 101 N. 5th St, Ironton, OH. For more information about the Harvest contact 740-532-1196 or church@ironton1umc.org.

In anticipation of Harvest Sunday, our Children’s and Jr. High Youth Group will be hosting a “Cruise-in for the Harvest” on Saturday, Oct. 8. Classic cars and motorcycle enthusiasts are invited to enter their vehicle for $5, which goes to support the fundraising efforts of youth for the Harvest.

The cruise-in is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will be held on the site of the future food pantry at the intersection of N 5th and Railroad in Ironton. Vehicle entries will be randomly drawn for door prizes. To enter the cruise-in contact Jason Sharp at 740-532-1196 or jason@ironton1umc.org.