Special to the Herald
Ken’s IGA in Guyton helped fill a desperate need in Effingham County last fall, and received a “thank you” plaque Jan. 27 for helping The Fillin’ Station food pantry.
The store recently expanded and remodeled, then held a grand opening in September. Right away the store encouraged customers to donate nonperishable food items that were distributed to local families in need.
The grand total?
Customers donated more than 2,300 lbs. of food during the 2024 Ken's IGA Food Drive to the Fillin' Station Food Pantry from October to December 2024.
“In 2024, we served 3,694 families -- 10,338 people -- and distributed 232,309 lbs. of food,” said Bobbie Secich, director of The Fillin' Station. “The need is real in Effingham. We just appreciate the support.”
“We are blessed with many volunteers including some of those from Effingham County High School Impact Club and special education classes,” Secich added.
“It was unusual that we did not have the State Nutritional Aid Program, which is geared toward children. And the items that you gave us -- mandarin oranges, macaroni and cheese, soups -- those are all things that we could make up our own kids’ bags since we didn't have access to the SNAP program,” Secich said.
Ken Nesmith was amazed the community’s generosity.
“I was amazed. It was a program our warehouse brought to us and it's the easiest one we've ever done because if you want to participate, you can, if you don't, it's okay,” Nesmith said. “And we had so many people that were repeat customers. Every time they shopped, they would buy multiple bags. People who would come in and buy one thing and they'll grab a bag along with their milk and check it out every time.
“Several customers that actually came and gave us a hundred dollars, and we would go grab ten bags,” Nesmith continued.
“Our thanks to the community and all the customers for sure,” Jodi Nesmith added.
The Fillin’ Station is run 100% by volunteers, Secich said. “No one gets paid.”
She explained that a typical delivery of food from America’s Second Harvest may include frozen meats, canned goods, and fresh fruit. “Our clients get 16 canned goods, eight dry goods, and approximately 15 lbs. of frozen goods -- chicken, beef, hamburger, fish -- and we try to throw in strawberries and peaches or some kind of fruit. There's always fresh fruit and that's important for the kids,” Secich said.
Then, with the onset of cold winter weather, the Fillin’ Station also received coats, blankets and bedding.
“Now we have coats available. The teachers at the schools collected coats and brought some to give to our clients. Our clients were thrilled, they weren't prepared for the snow, the sleet. Who was?” Secich said. “So, they were not only getting food, they were getting blankets and sheets and totes and gloves. The partnership with the schools is great.”
Donations to the Fillin' Station can be made in person from 10 a.m.- 1 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at the old Effingham Middle School, 1290 GA Hwy 119, Springfield, GA or online at www.guytonchristianchurch.org. Individuals and families dealing with food insecurity may also visit The Fillin' Station from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at the old Effingham Middle School.
For more information, call 912-772-3478.
