Grace Lutheran donates $10,065 to FOCUS

WISCONSIN RAPIDS – With concerns regarding food insecurity rising across the country, Grace Lutheran Church leaders found themselves wondering what they could do to help their community.
Following cuts to government-funded programs like Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), many families who had once been able to make do were suddenly struggling, and Grace Lutheran Church Office and Communications Coordinator Michelle Schroeder said the when the church reached out to Feeding Our Communities with United Services (FOCUS) staff, they were thrilled at the idea of a donation, especially to help struggling members of the community during the holidays.
The church’s goal seemed almost too ambitious at first — $5,000 from the congregation, to be matched with church funds.
“When we first considered this we’re asking okay, is this too aggressive? Is it not too aggressive?” Grace Lutheran Church Council Secretary Rick Merdan said. “But we know that our church responds very well to real needs. And this was a real need.”
Schroeder said the congregation raised their half of the $10,000 within a month, to both her surprise and pleasure.

“It happened so fast,” she said.
FOCUS said the donation from Grace Lutheran Church will provide 40,000 meals for local families, enough to feed several families through the holidays. FOCUS includes a food pantry, neighborhood meals and family backpacks, meaning the food will be distributed in as many ways as possible to be accessible for as many as possible.
About Grace Lutheran Church
Grace Lutheran Church, located at 1531 Whitrock Ave., Wisconsin Rapids, was established in 1983 and is a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA). Grace’s mission is welcoming everyone, serving others and growing in faith. Sunday worship services are at
9:00 a.m. with time for conversation and learning at 10:00 a.m.