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The Lebanon Matthew 25.40 Ministries (LMM) was established by the Lebanon Area Ministerial Council of Churches for the purpose of serving those in need in the communities of Lebanon and Summerfield, IL. LMM applied for 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status more than a decade ago and moved into the current building at 108 E Dee Street. Prior to that, the community food pantry and client meetings both used the St Paul United Church of Christ conference room.
The name of the non-profit organization comes from Matthew Chapter 25, verse 40 from the Bible, which reads, “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’” In responding to Christ's teachings, LMM makes resources available through the food pantry as well as provides financial assistance, employment assistance, referrals to handle day-to-day or emergency situations while educating and strengthening the individual's capacity for self-reliance through the Community Care Coalition.
The LMM is financially supported by several local churches, businesses, non-profit organizations, and private individuals and is the umbrella organization for the Lebanon Food Pantry and Community Care Coalition. The Food Pantry provides emergency food assistance for families residing in Lebanon and Summerfield, Illinois. Eligible individuals and families may use the food pantry once every 30 days.
The food pantry relies on private donations and local food drives throughout the year conducted by the Boy Scouts, Lebanon Schools, and McKendree University. The pantry welcomes donations of limited perishable food items, non-perishable food items, toiletries, paper products, cleaning products, baby food and baby formula. The pantry has limited refrigerator and freezer space, so it is highly recommended to contact the food pantry before donating any perishable food.
The Community Care Coalition provides financial assistance on a case-by-case basis for people living within the boundaries of the Lebanon Community Unit School District #9, Lebanon, IL. Client Advocates are also equipped to provide counseling to find employment, establish a budget, write a resume, secure housing, etc.
Lebanon Matthew 25.40 Ministries just held their 3rd annual Euchre tournament fundraiser on November 8 at the Summerfield Lions Club. In addition to the Euchre card game, there was a silent auction, raffles, and food sales to raise money for LMM. The fundraiser was a success and raised $5,500 for people in need in the Lebanon and Summerfield communities. For more information on Food Pantry hours, food drop-off information, eligibility for assistance, etc., you can use the contact information below.
Article by Lori Henrichs
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