The Bethel Community Storehouse welcomed donations of hundreds of dollars and food items from the Torrance County Democratic Party on Tuesday, Nov. 18.
The storehouse, based in Moriarty, is a Christ-centered nonprofit that provides food, clothing and other necessities for those in need in Estancia Valley. It has been around for 38 years, Bethel Executive Director Linda Smith told The Independent.
“We brought in several boxes of food today, and we turned over a check for $625 that was donated through the Democratic Party — and that is a monthly donation,” Smith said.
The Torrance County Democratic Party has been running both a food drive and a monetary donation for the Storehouse this season. Community members were invited to periodically drop off items at the Torrance County Democratic Party office or at the United Country Farm & Home Realty Office.
The Torrance County Democratic Party holds monthly meetings where all members are asked to bring food donations, chairperson Myra Oden said, but the donations didn’t all come from meeting attendees.
“They’re coming from Democrats in the area, people that attend our meetings and other people that just have a soft spot in their heart for Bethel and for the Democratic Party,” Oden said.
The Torrance County Democratic Party accepts both one-time donations and recurring donations, Oden said. Some members donate small amounts while they can, while one anonymous donor gave a recurring $400 contribution every month, she said.
The biggest challenge with the project, Oden said, has been moving the food.
“It’s harder than you think,” she said. “We brought in three boxes of food today — all non-perishable stuff.”
The storehouse consists of both the food pantry and a thrift store, the latter of which serves as the main fundraiser for Bethel, according to its website.
Smith said Bethel is grateful for the donations it has received from the Democratic Party.
“We’re all here — communities serving our neighbors, and we love to have their help in all this,” Smith said.
The Bethel Community Storehouse has more upcoming events for the holiday season, including a holiday food and turkey drive, as well as a toy drive, Smith said. Those who wish to help out can learn more at the Bethel Storehouse website.
