Michael T. Irwin Deacon's Pantry

Metropolitan Community Church of Knoxville has a very active deacon's program, the most visible part being the Michael T. Irwin Deacon's Pantry.  The pantry provides food baskets for the hungry, both within the GLBTQ community and throughout the Knoxville area.  During 2007, MCCK delivered more than 100 food baskets, plus $3000 in benevolence.  Thank you to everyone who helped!  Assembled periodically by the deacons, the baskets contain a combination of food donated by those attending worship services the third Sunday of each month, items received through the Second Harvest food program, and items the deacons purchase with monetary gifts to the pantry.  It was dedicated to the memory of Michael T. Irwin shortly after his untimely passing in 2006.  Mike served MCCK as a deacon for most of his adult life.

Donations of food and/or funds are gratefully accepted.  The pantry "grocery list" includes 8.5 oz corn bread or muffin mix; 1 lb box or saltine crackers; 14 oz box of whole grain cereal such as All Bran, Bran Flakes, Cheerios, Wheat, Rice or Corn Chex, Cream of Wheat, Grape Nuts, Kix, Shredded Wheat, Wheaties; and 1 lb bag of rice.  Monetary donations can be made using the marked envelopes at the back of the sanctuary, or by mail to the church address.

Following Christ's teachings regarding the importance of service to others, MCCK's Deacon's Fund provides much-needed financial support to those who would otherwise be left by the wayside.  For example, during September and October 2006, the deacons helped four families with rent, so they could avoid eviction; two families with vehicle repair problems, so the breadwinners could continue to get back and forth to work; four families with utilities; and eight families with food.  The deacons are always thankful for the donations which help them make differences such as these in people's lives.