The Fellowship Cup dedicated to serving the underserved

The Mt. Pleasant Fellowship Cup has been serving Henry County citizens for over 40 years now, and there’s no inkling of slowing down, especially during the holiday season.

During the holidays, their services become even more of a necessity.

“Our number have gone up,” Executive Director Ken Brown said. “During the pandemic our numbers were cut in half. We were serving 140 households and when the pandemic hit were averaging 70 a week. So today, we have two hours left and we’re well over 80 now. We will probably hit a 100. The demand is up. This time of year in general we see an increase.”

The nonprofit organization is dedicated to offering aid and support to the people of Henry County.

They provide food, clothing and shelter to the underserved.

With a Christian focus, and the collaborations of others, their goal is to empower people to rise above the need for their services.

Currently, the Fellowship Cup is offering a holiday food drive, that runs from October to Dec. 31.

The goal is to help fight against hunger during the holiday season. Cream of mushroom, chicken soup, corn, beans, carrots, canned sweet potatoes and Jiffy cornbread mix are all needed. Donation times are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Including holiday programs, a wide array of other initiatives are also offered throughout the year.

The Fellowship Cup Food Pantry serves both individuals and families around Henry County once per week. Following the completion of a registration form, a recyclable grocery bag and an ID card will be given. They ask that both are brought during each visit.

The pantry cannot sustain grocery needs, but it instead used to “offer a little help along the way.”

The Friends In Service Here program is dedicated to providing travelers with emergency aid in the form of lodging, gas and food.

This program is dedicated to providing children lunch throughout the summer. Meals typically include a sandwich, chips, crackers, vegetables, fruit and a drink.

The Holiday Food Box is a program that offers families food and meals during Christmas and Thanksgiving.

This event took place on Nov. 23.

They also provide programs for self-improvement in the form of Bridges Out of Poverty. Monthly classes are given to help those that might want health and wellness insight.

The Mt. Pleasant Community Garden allows community members and organizations to adopt plots to grow whatever they wish. The garden is located at 211 S. Jackson St. Sponsors include, but are not limited to, Hy-Vee, Walmart, Henry County Master Gardeners, Carma Muhler Fund of the Iowa United Methodist Foundation and Frist UMC of Mt. Pleasant.

Brown says that serving is very rewarding, especially knowing you provided someone get a meal.

“It is very fulfilling, your making sure other people get a meal,” Brown said. “It’s the little things, getting together with family over food, if you can just give people that, that’s what it’s about. We have people that serve every week.”

A program called Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) was created to help individuals over the age of 55 stay active in the community, whether they are close to retirement or have been retired.

It allows people to tackle issues related to transportation, poverty and loneliness. Training is provided to start and at any point as needed.

The Fellowship Cup also oversees the Quarter Maybe More Store.

Citizens can shop for a plethora of items, including clothing, furniture and household wares.

The store helps sustain the ministry of the organization

Brown wants people to know that it’s OK to get help.

“You can reach out to us, it’s not that your taking anything from anyone else,” he said. “We have plenty here on our shelves. People use this as needed, so that’s what we’re here for, to fill in those gaps when you fall short. We want people to take advantage of that resource.”

Comments: hunter.moeller@southeastiowaunion.com