Story submitted by Donna Barr, Project NEEDS Executive Director

Project: NEEDS, St. Paul’s UMC works to alleviate hunger in our local community, as a safety net for those who are vulnerable and underserved.  

We have been offering food and necessities to the community for 35 years.  On our Tuesday night hot meal service, we provide a nutritious home-cooked meal, along with a drink and dessert.  On this night, we also distribute hygiene kits, socks, undergarments, clothing, shoes, blankets, sleeping bags, hats, gloves, rain ponchos, toilet paper, laundry detergent, canned food goods, milk, and pet food and supplies.  We serve an average of 70 dinner guests each week.  It is our goal to provide individualized service and fellowship to our guests.  

We also provide a monthly food pantry service for 1100 registered guests.  We are partnered with the LA Regional Food Bank and on this day, we distribute meat, canned goods, fresh fruit and produce, yogurt, pasta, beans, bread, etc. to our guests in need.  

We are blessed to receive support from a variety of sources, including faith-based organizations, philanthropic groups, community donors, grants and fundraising efforts.  These generous contributions make it possible for us to continue serving those in need.  

We serve our unhoused guests along with low-income families and individuals. We also deliver food monthly to veterans’ groups, senior groups and to a low-income housing program.

We have an annual Christmas party for the children of our guests.  They come out on this day and take a family photo, we develop, with Santa.  The children choose a gift and have hot chocolate and eat cookies.  We have an annual barbecue for our Tuesday night dinner guests, with great food, fellowship and live music.  

We know our clients by name and do our best to accommodate their grocery, meal and hygiene needs, while providing a sense of community. We put a personal face on our contact and let them know we are happy to serve them and care about them.  The level of dignity and fellowship is perhaps as important as the food itself and supports the emotional well-being of the clients we serve.  Project: NEEDS serves all in need in the South Bay area of Los Angeles County with equal dignity and respect. 

THANK YOU, Living into the Future Foundation!  Your support means the world to us, as we could not do this work without you.  Your generosity helps us care for our community, and your partnership in our mission is truly invaluable.  We are deeply grateful for all you do to stand with us in making a difference.