There was a lot of hustle and bustle on Saturday morning-not from shoppers scurrying from store to store. More like, the wheels grinding and gears turning for the love of fellow man. The Italy Ministerial Alliance took care of business, so to speak. Volunteers from churches in town took the task of preparing and delivering food baskets to the needy and artfully mastered the challenge.

Like a well oiled machine, representatives from area churches filled boxes and crates and delivered to Italy residents. Forty-nine families received non-perishables and a Christmas turkey.

The IMA Food Pantry works solely on donations and purchases 60% of the food from North Texas Food Bank at a reduced price, 20% purchased from local stores and the other 20% donated. If you are interested in helping with donations-either monetary or any in date, non-perishable foods, please contact Rev. Krista Ingram at 972-483-6335 or Central Baptist Church at 972-483-7474. Or you could talk to any pastor, member of the Italy Ministerial Alliance.

Food Pantry recipients are welcome the first Monday of every month, 5pm-8pm, at the First United Methodist Church at 124 Harpold Street. A representative from each family is required to bring ID, utility bill and fill out an income sheet (kept in strict confidence). This is required from every family, even if they are already receiving help from IMA. Starting the new year means new forms.

The Italy Ministerial Alliance wishes everyone a blessed and Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!