"I started by giving sandwiches to one guy," Elaine Bohrer said, "and it's grown beyond my wildest dreams."

The Operation Blessing-supported Lighthouse Mission Outreach in Patchogue, N.Y. has distributed more than 360,000 meals each year since 1992.

PATCHOGUE, N.Y. - A pack of bologna and a loaf of bread changed Elaine Bohrer's life.

"I started by giving sandwiches to one guy," Bohrer said, "and it's grown beyond my wildest dreams."

That was in 1992 and since, Bohrer has founded the Lighthouse Mission Outreach in Patchogue, N.Y., where she helps distribute more than 360,000 meals each year.

As a regional partner with Operation Blessing for more than 15 years, Lighthouse Mission receives monthly truckloads of food and other supplies from Operation Blessing, helping to keep their food pantry always stocked with new items.

"It's been incredible to see so many lives changed," Bohrer said. "I had no idea this is what God had planned for me."

After the death of her husband, Bohrer said she felt God telling her to "go feed the poor." Not knowing exactly how to do that, she bought a loaf of bread, some bologna and cheese, and then handed 10 sandwiches to one man.

"I was very shy and I didn't like talking to people," Bohrer said. "However, I knew I could use the food as an in-road to building a relationship."

Bologna and cheese sandwiches turned into food give-aways and outreach events throughout the city as well as a fully-stocked food pantry. The Lighthouse Mission also offers children's programs, a recovery center, job placement programs and housing assistance.

"Someone always needs something," said Jon Morrill, who benefited from Lighthouse Mission then became a volunteer. "I got help when I needed it and now I'm giving to others."

Morrill was on hand one crisp Monday morning in jeans and an oversized orange coat to help offload the supplies arriving via a Hunger Strike Force truck. Other volunteers and staff showed up to help sort through the items.

Each person who attends an outreach or visits the food pantry leaves with a three-day supply of groceries. More than 1,400 people a week are helped by Lighthouse Mission and OBI.

"One of our goals is to fill the bellies of the people who need food, " said Rosa D'Anna, program director for Lighthouse Mission. "This is a place where they can find hope."

Morrill knows how hard it can be to ask for help. At 17, he ran away from home to join the circus. After setting up and tearing down one too many tents, Morrill had enough and quit.

"It wasn't the life I thought it would be," he said. "Life took some interesting turns from that moment on."

Morrill developed a severe case of diabetes that required him to quit work. He applied for social services but had to wait three years before his benefits kicked in. Between going to the doctor and trying to pay the bills, Morrill was left with little cash and nowhere to live. That's when Lighthouse Mission stepped in.

"Once I came here and saw what they did, I stayed," said Morrill, who pinned a gold cross in his knit hat. "Being here helps me feel like I'm doing my part and seeing others get the help they need and that encourages me to keep going."

HOW YOU CAN HELP
Every day, the fleet of Hunger Strike Force trucks are on the road, delivering nutritious food and essential supplies to thousands facing hunger and poverty. With your help, we can continue to impact lives and give hope to those who need it most. Consider making an online donation today.

 

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