Stories From The Pantry

Terri Preeg Riggsby (Volunteer)

My family and I have been volunteering at Bethlehem House of Bread for several years, from helping to get irrigation installed in the gardens to supporting shoppers as they choose nutritious foods from the pantry. My son and I often package diapers and pet food, and we love knowing that BHOB visitors can bring home groceries as well as other necessities. Helping out only takes a couple hours, but BHOB couldn’t operate without volunteers. We hope others will join us and donate a short amount of time to make a big impact.”

Peter (Volunteer)

I became aware of BHOB because my wife, Gretchen, and daughter, Molly, are volunteers. I wanted to get involved and help out. Initially, I volunteered on Thursdays, unloading the Oregon Food Bank delivery truck when I noticed that the grounds could use some attention. Since then, I’ve taken over the mowing, pruning, weed whacking, etc. My goal is that when people visit the food pantry they get the impression that Bethlehem House of Bread is an inviting, organized place—which it is!”

Noelle (Pantry Guest)

Bethlehem House of Bread has been so helpful for our special needs family. We’re a family of six, and four of us have significant dietary restrictions due to medical conditions. Without the proper foods for our diets, our medical bills would go up and cause us to be in a more extreme situation financially. Knowing I can find safe choices for my family at the food pantry makes all the difference.”

Sue (Pantry Guest)

I’m Vietnamese and I never expected to walk into a food pantry and find food representative of my country. Fish sauce, hoisin sauce and jasmine rice—WOW! And spices like turmeric and ginger too. My family was thrilled. I’m so grateful for Bethlehem House of Bread to provide food that is familiar.”

Robin Woodland (Volunteer)

It feels great to know my volunteering matters. It’s not abstract, it’s immediate. I’m helping families get the food they need today. And I especially appreciate that everyone is welcome at the pantry—all ages, races, religions and human persuasions—all actively and genuinely welcomed. It seems simple, but it takes careful nurturing by the BHOB team to make it so. And together—staff, volunteers, and the neighbors who come for food—we’re creating an oasis of love in a world of conflict. Really…no kidding! Come see for yourself.”

Nikolas (Donor)

I give to Bethlehem House of Bread because they care and help those in need, and see that no one is turned away who needs assistance.”

Nathan (Pantry Guest)

I was so surprised to walk into a food pantry and see veggies just pulled from the garden in the back of the building. I love to cook, and having access to fresh produce really helps to normalize my current situation. I appreciate Bethlehem House of Bread’s focus on nutritious and healthy food.”

Vikki Villarreal (Volunteer)

My mother was an amazing example, and I wanted to be an example for my kids, to get them involved with our community and to help others. Bethlehem House of Bread was the perfect fit for us. We first started volunteering when my oldest, Elden turned 13, in 2017. We had their 13th birthday party at BHOB. Ten teenagers showed up with donations instead of gifts and spent two hours bagging pet food, diapers and feminine products for pantry guests. And then we took to cleaning, organizing and vacuuming the food pantry.

Danny (Pantry Guest)

It has been a challenging couple of years. I was laid off at the height of COVID, and for the first time, couldn’t support my family. Fortunately, I found a part-time job to help cover rent and utilities, but it left little money for food. I found a lifeline at Bethlehem House of Bread. Everyone was so caring, and because of that, it really helped return my confidence and self-worth. I don’t know what I would have done without this little food pantry with such a big heart.”