When the front door opens at 1 p.m., 20 people who had been patiently waiting outside stream into the art deco-style building on Royal Avenue in Front Royal.
Inside the atmosphere is warm and friendly, as diocesan Catholic Charities volunteers and employees use first names to greet clients who’ve come to the Loaves and Fishes food pantry. Gloria Andrade’s three daughters rush to a table where prepared snacks are waiting, as their mom checks in at the front desk.
“It feels like family,” said Andrade. “I’ve been coming here for years, and it’s just overall fun to be around here. I have three girls and I don’t have to feel like I’m worried about not having food in the house or anything in the fridge. This helps a lot.”
It’s the personal connection that motivates Roberta Ortwein to volunteer at Loaves and Fishes five days a week. “We get to know everyone,” she said. “There’s lots of chat, hugs and stories told. We walk beside them and we’ve instituted a prayer box. So, we encourage them to put their needs in the prayer box. And the staff gets together on a Thursday morning prior to opening and we pray over each and every one.”
The store resembles a mini Costco, with large quantities of canned and boxed foods along with fresh meat, eggs, toiletries, and household items. Manager Tina Bearden oversees the operation and provides assistance and encouragement to clients.
“It’s not just about food,” she said. “They all need food, but they all need to know that someone cares. And I think that’s the biggest thing here. People feel happy and safe. We give out hugs and prayers all the time. And they know that. They know that they’re welcome here anytime the door is open.”
And that goes for anyone who needs help. Andrade is an evangelical Christian, but “if it wasn’t for Catholic Charities, I have no clue where I would go,” she said. “I was always fond of Catholics because they help the community.”
Ortwein arrives early on Tuesdays for “Tasting Tuesdays” where prepared foods are made for clients along with take-home recipes.
“We’re using elements that they pick up in the pantry and trying to do them in an easy, creative way that gives them other suggestions on how to use what we’re providing for them,” said Ortwein. “Today we have crepes. We’ve had soups and chilies. They hear it’s a ‘Tasting Tuesday’ and they will take the recipes home with them and then let me know that they’ve made it at home.”
Ortwein retired from her work as a director of Christian education four years ago and wasn’t planning to volunteer 30 hours a week, but she said she’s more energized than ever. “I love it,” she said. “I love the people and the colleagues that I work with. It’s a wonderful ministry.”
“We want to be here,” said Bearden. “We are here for a purpose and a reason. We love our clients and our clients love us.”
