DAVENPORT, IOWA (November 10, 2025) — Edwards Congregational United Church of Christ, Davenport, began its thirteenth year of donating Thanksgiving baskets for the neighbors in need at the Central Community Circle Food Pantry.
The church has a long history of serving others.
At Edwards, they believe "God's love is expansive and unconditional and that through Jesus Christ, God has called us to love one another as God loves us. One of these expressions of love is in the feeding of others. This year fifty baskets will be filled with everything from turkey or ham and all the holiday trimmings, including pie, will grace the tables of families that otherwise would not have had such bounty.”
"I'm not sure what we would have done without their [Edwards UCC Church] help," said Pat Bereskin, secretary for the food pantry.
In the past month alone, we have seen an increase in the number of people and families rise by three times over what we have experienced in the past. In October we served over 700 requests.
"We are seeing a large increase of homelessness, the disabled, and the elderly who are seeking food assistance. A number of our guests are individuals with children who are working at minimum wage jobs or at jobs with low wages." Bereskin went on to say, "These are the highest numbers we have ever seen in the 25+ years of my volunteering at the pantry."
Without our church and local community, pantries would not be able to sustain the current need.
If you, or someone you know, would like to contribute with a donation for the holidays or in the coming year,
contact cccfoodpantry.com/checkout/donate?donatePageId=5c50b62a42bfc139d3406fd4 or Pat Bereskin 563-508-4630.
