Local Food Pantry In Need Of Donations Before Thanksgiving

A venerable Oklahoma City food pantry is in need of donations before Thanksgiving.

Sister Mable Stoss proudly founded the award-winning Free Food Pantry Inc. more than 28 years ago.

The nonprofit gives groceries to families in need in northeast Oklahoma City and specializes in deliveries.

“The person, if they’re handicapped, senior citizen, sick and shut in, they don’t have to leave their house. All they have to do is to call our office,” Stoss said.

Stoss said each year, she cooks and distributes several Thanksgiving dinners, including turkey, cranberry sauce, stuffing and all the fixings. 

This year, Stoss said she plans on giving out meal baskets to hundreds of people.

“We have double the calls of the people that need assistance,” Stoss said.

However, Stoss’ inventory is now empty. Due to the pandemic, she said donations just aren’t coming in like they used to.

Stoss said this time last year, she had nearly half the monetary donations needed for Thanksgiving.

“Right now, we don’t have the first dollar donated yet. So, we are a long ways off our goal,” Stoss said.

With a pandemic predicament, Stoss said has no choice but to ask for donations.

A GoFundMe was started for the pantry.

Those interested in donating can also call Stoss at 405-721-6763.

Donations can be made through checks made out to, “Free Food Pantry Inc.” mailed to PO Box 42641, Oklahoma City, OK 73123.

“It gives me a feeling of serenity knowing that I’m helping others,” Stoss said.