"The rainbow of hope is shining bright in our community and at Franklin Community Center.

What we get to see every day has been remarkable and truly inspiring to our staff. No one has been left behind during these uncertain times thanks to a community that has risen up to support us each day. Yes, we are seeing a huge increase in the number of people utilizing our food pantry, but the volume of donations we are receiving has matched it.

Just imagine this. Our requests on social media for non-perishable items have filled our outside donation box daily. Just recently, a couple pulled up to donate a car full of food and toiletries in memory of a lost family member. Restaurants, who have shuttered their doors, have dropped off prepared meals and inventory to hand out. Businesses, small and large, have sent over gift cards for families or lunch for our staff. Monetary donations to our pantry from those in our community and beyond continue to come in each week.

When we answer the phone to take the request for food, it has become so much more than that. We listen and we hear the stories of the grandparents who now are feeding several grandchildren or the single parents who just want to talk to another adult for a bit or the elderly person on their own who asks how our day is going. From all of them what we hear most of all is thank you. “Thank you for being open, thank you for helping us.”

This experience will have a lasting impact on our lives, but rest assured good will come out of it as well. The foundation of our community is strong and will survive because it is comprised of selfless, caring individuals. For that, we say thank you."

Jaime Williams

Associate Director

Franklin Community Center