On Saturday, November 14, the Ministerial Alliance of Upshur County will sponsor the Upshur County Shares Food Bank “Pickin’ for the Pantry” Bluegrass Concert. The event will feature a concert by Texas bluegrass / gospel bands – the Smith Family Band, Brushy Creek, Brand New Strings and the Reynolds Family. The concert begins at 6:00 p.m. at the Gilmer Civic Center. Tickets are $10 in advance or $12 at the door. In addition to the concert, attendees may enjoy food from the concession stand as well as a silent auction, featuring themed baskets donated by local churches. To purchase tickets, call Ross Wise at 903-315-8250. All funds raised during this event will go straight to the Food Bank to purchase food for those in need.

Every year, there are close to 400,000 East Texans who don’t know where their next meal is coming from. One in four East Texas children are victims of hunger. One in seven local senior citizens is malnourished. Parents have to choose between feeding their families and paying housing, utility and medical bills.

Here in Upshur County, neighbors are working to help neighbors in need. The Upshur County Shares Food Bank (a non-denominational group sponsored by the Upshur County Ministerial Alliance) is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing food to local residents. In July, 214 families received supplies from the Food Bank – up from 87 families just two months earlier. The recession has come home to our community, and more local residents are seeking aid for the first time in their lives.

Hunger is a solvable issue and your support will make a difference in homes right here in Upshur County! Please help the Upshur County Shares Food Bank provide help – and hope – to your neighbors in need!