Sequatchie County food pantry looking for more volunteers to aid needy

DUNLAP, Tenn. — Like other area nonprofit organizations, the Sequatchie County Fellowship of Churches Food Pantry and Clothes Closet is in need of volunteers.

But this season comes with a new twist for the group. A full-time clergyman and two full-time Sequatchie County Jail trusties are no longer with the group. In their absence, the pantry is relying on volunteers, but they must commit to one day a week and work at least a few hours.

Peggy Kesterson began volunteering more than a year ago when a friend asked her to help. Formerly a registered nurse, Kesterson was used to taking care of people. A bout with breast cancer left her unable to do much more than sit in a chair, so she looked for a new outlet to put herself to use.

“This is the most wonderful job I’ve ever had,” Kesterson said. “This keeps me alive every day, just knowing that I can come and talk to the people. … There are so many who are out of work. They have pride, and they are in desperate need.”

The pantry, in the county annex on Heard Street, serves several hundred families a year.

Fourteen churches and a handful of residents contribute money for the program. From the churches, the group has about 10 regular volunteers.

Anne Wolf, who works with Kesterson, stopped by to drop something off and her friends put her to work.

“I like helping people,” Wolf said. “Most of them are so grateful. … I’m retired, and if I didn’t do this and my other volunteer job I wouldn’t see people.”

Wolf and Kesterson said they need more help to keep up with the crowds that come in.

Fellow volunteer Opal Swanson likes having something to do, as well, and she adores the friends she’s made at the pantry.

“People say to me, ‘Oh, it’s so wonderful that you are helping those people,’ and I say, ‘No, those people are doing so much for me,'” she said.

Corrina Sisk-Casson is based in Dunlap. Contact her at corrinacasson1@aol.com.