Kindness Cupboard food pantry unveils second location in Perry

PERRY– The Kindness Cupboard unveiled its second location in the city of Perry Tuesday, located at Memorial Heights Baptist Church, 521 Gen. Courtney Hodges Blvd. 

The Kindness Cupboard, a miniature community food pantry, is a ministry of Women Reaching Our Community. It is supported by food and monetary donations, which allow it to buy groceries. 

The first cupboard was located on Courtney Hodges Blvd., but recently moved behind Perry Presbyterian Church in August 2023. Because of this, a plan to build a second Kindness Cupboard on Courtney Hodges was put into motion. 

Thankfully, Memorial Heights Baptist Church agreed to place the second Kindness Cupboard. Support for these food pantries has grown tremendously throughout the community in the past two years. 

“We are so very blessed to receive donations of food and money from a number of local women’s service clubs, area churches, family and individuals,” said Judy Lilley, a member of the Kindness Cupboard Ministry.  

Along with Lilley, the Kindness Cupboard Ministry is served by Debbie Brown, Carolyn Sutton, Tricia Parker and Elaine Sawyer. 

According to Lilley, approximately 200 items, including groceries, hygiene products, cleaning supplies, and clothing are supplied on Mondays and Fridays, as well as bread and bakery items on Tuesdays and Thursdays. 

“The community is providing so much help to make such a difference in the lives of others,” she said. “I hope this serves as a way to further unite this community.”

Memorial Heights Baptist Church Pastor Lewis Kiger shared his remarks about the recent planting of the Kindness Cupboard. 

“I think ultimately the desire through this is not just that we feed people or give people the basic necessities of life, but that we also show them the love of Christ,” he said. 

Overall, the cupboard connects those who want to provide a healthy diet to those in need of groceries. This ministry allows kindness to grow in Perry, and it is just one of the many volunteer programs in town. 

“We are so grateful to Memorial Heights Baptist Church and Perry Presbyterian Church where the cupboards are planted,” Lilley said. “Volunteers make a huge difference in Perry, and we are excited to be able to feed more folks in Perry.”