FROM STAFF REPORTS

PELHAM— Oak Mountain Missions Ministries, a Pelham-based non-profit organization, recently received a $25,000 grant from the Walmart Foundation. The funds will be utilized by the Food Distribution Program to purchase a new freezer and food items.

Oak Mountain Missions currently distributes groceries to more than 400 families per month. Utilizing this grant will allow the organization to increase the number of families served, while also providing a greater variety of foods with a healthier selection.

Roddy Cooper founded the non-profit in 2001 when he noticed a need in Central Alabama for an organization to provide food, clothing, household goods and furniture to economically disadvantaged individuals and families.

“Without support from foundations like Walmart, it would be difficult for Oak Mountain Missions Ministries to operate,” Cooper said. “Our food donations have been down this year, so the grant will enable us to purchase large quantities of food each month.  We are very grateful for the continuing support that we receive from the Walmart State Giving Program and local Walmart stores.”

Today, Oak Mountain partners with nearly 40 community agencies, such as area churches and human service agencies, to serve about 1,500 low income households each year. Families are provided with a wide range of items to meet their basic needs.

Over the last fiscal year, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation has given more than $27.8 million in cash and in-kind contributions to support non-profit organizations and programs in Alabama focused on fighting hunger and promoting healthy eating, workforce development, disaster preparedness and other needs specific to many Alabama communities.

“At Walmart, we understand that every one of our stores is there to serve the community,” said John Tow, Walmart’s regional manager in Alabama. “Our stores are part of the community.”

For more information, contact Tricia Parks or Dianne Cesario at 685-5757 or email at oakmtnmissions@yahoo.com.