Published: July 24, 2008 12:49 pm      

Economic downturn pushes people to mission

CLINTON — According to Pastor Ray Gimenez, after 21 years of providing three meals a day, seven days a week to those in need, the Victory Center, 100 Sixth Ave. North, is experiencing a “crisis.”

Gimenez said that with the current “sluggish economy,” the Victory Center has seen an increase in the amount of free meals they are serving every day. According to Gimenez, lunch, which is the busiest meal of the day, usually has an attendance of about 20 people.

Lately, however, the Victory Center has seen 50 or more people for lunch. Gimenez estimated that they are serving more than 150 meals per day.

“So, you know, that's 1,000, a little bit over 1,000 meals a week. You know, that's a lot of meals. So we've seen an increase, a tremendous, sharp increase in the last couple of months,” said Gimenez.

Gimenez said the increase in people attending meal time has stretched their resources. Gimenez accredited the program being able to manage so far to Sandi McKenrick, who cooks the meals. McKenrick said she has noticed the large increase as well. Gimenez said through her creativity and knowledge, they have been able to stretch the food a little further, but food resources are becoming a problem.

“It's gotten to a point where, OK now, we want to continue to serve a nutritious meal. How do we buy the meat items, you know, or the food items? We're struggling with that one,” said Gimenez.

Gimenez said he feels the increase of attendance is linked with the economy and the increase of grocery prices and other expenses. He said many people are feeling the rise in costs.

“I mean it's been a sharp increase for everybody, especially those that are, you know, borderline in their incomes. You know, they are suffering and why not come to the center and eat a quality meal, both lunch and dinner instead of having to pay the high prices,” said Gimenez. He said the Victory Center is happy to help them save money and will turn away no one. However, he said just like everyone else has been affected by the economy, so has the Victory Center.

“We have donors that are also struggling, you know. And now they are giving us lesser money to maintain than they were, you know, a year ago,” said Gimenez. He said that for the center, which is sustained primarily by donations, this is dramatically impacting the money they have for programs. He added that a portion of the donations also goes just to keep the Victory Center running.

“So we are in need of funds, in a desperate way, just to keep us going,” said Gimenez. He said if more donations do not come in, the meal program could be in jeopardy.

“But if we don't get the funding, we can't buy the food and so we can't keep our doors open. Then I'll have to shut down the meals program,” said Gimenez.

He said that he would hate to do it as the program has never been shut down in the 21 years the Victory Center has been offering it. However, he said that he realizes it could become necessary if they do not receive more help.

“But, you know, we're in crisis, a financial crisis right now,” said Gimenez, adding, “So we need some funding to get across.”

The Victory Center offers breakfast at 7:30 a.m., lunch at 12:30 p.m. and dinner at 5 p.m. every day, seven days a week. Those wishing to make a contribution may visit the Victory Center or call 242-9016. Gimenez said he hopes more people become aware of the center’s need and offer support and donations to this cause.

“We are extending our voice or our help to those that are needy in the area. So we really are in need of people giving us more resources to be able to keep the program going,” said Gimenez.