by Kim Gebbia
MURFREESBORO, Tenn- Many families have been forced to learn how to make do and now one of the organizations who helps those through tough times is also figuring out how to make due with less.
It something that happens every summer, but never quite as bad as this for Greenhouse Ministries. Donations are low as the need only increases.
Donations drop off at food pantries as need increases. Especially for first time visitors like 21 year old Ashley Johnson.
She's at Greenhouse on Tuesday after moving from an unstable home in West Virginia. "While I was still pregnant we lived in a shed building and all we could do was cook on a wood stove, she said.
Today this new mom swallows her pride for her 1 year old baby, Rebecca. The Executive Director of Greenhouse first has to ask Johnson a few basic questions about why she needs help so that they can offer their services like GED classes, computer classes and financial classes.
Johnson said it's hard to ask for help, but she knows she's out of options.
"One thing my husband hates is not being able to provide for his family and he is working really hard on trying to find a job," she said.
But landing a job can take time and their hungry 1 year old can't wait for food.
"We just try to get some of everything and just do what we can to fix them up," said Sharp.
Sharp's ministry has packed a bag of groceries for families like the Johnson's more than 9000 times last year. A temporary relief for those getting by week to week.
"What we hope is that we can give them enough to tie them over for four to five days," Sharp said.
But the choices are slim as donations slip through the summer months.
On Monday the shelves were almost empty and it wasn't until Greenhouse Ministries made a Facebook campaign that donations started coming in just a day later. Even so, Sharp said all the new groceries have been going right back out the door.
It inspired Murfreesboro resident Dane Pounds to do her part.
"If we are able to feed our own family we should pick up a few items for those people going through hard times. It's about reaching out from one heart to another," said Pounds.
Without another donation, what's left would only last 2 weeks.
"To those who do give, god bless you and I hope you have a merry life," said Johnson.
Greenhouse is not a government funded ministry so anyone can come in and ask for help. They also offer some classes to help struggling families learn job skills and get back on their feet.
The woman we spoke with today plans to do just that while they wait for her husband to find a permanent job.
If you would like to make a donation, Greenhouse will take groceries, but say that they can make cash go a long way for food.
http://www.greenhousemin.org
