Last year presented many challenges as our client roster grew. We had a 240% increase in the number of households served from December 2025 to December 2026. Our new self-selection pantry system kept up with the demand because we have an incredible team of volunteers.
We distributed 516,712 pounds of food to fill 20,257 individual stomachs caring for 7597 households. We purchased $131,482.51 in supplemental foods such as butter, eggs and produce.
We spent $75,656.35 in direct financial assistance to help our clients with rent, utilities, automotive expenses and medication. We distributed 447 Kroger cards for gas and medicine co-pays, a substantial increase over previous years. We paid for 1472 loads of laundry for homeless clients and clients living in extended stay hotels.
At Easter we distributed 105 baskets and 65 spring bags for older children and those who do not celebrate Easter. For our Back-to-School program, we distributed 297 back packs filled with school supplies. At Christmas we distributed 665 holiday feasts and 694 Thanksgiving dinners.
Operation Santa’s Workshop delivered three gifts each to 389 children under 12, plus stocking stuffers and books. We gave gift cards to 104 teens. The new parent gift program allowed 153 children to shop for gifts for their parents or guardians (most often grandparents).
Our army of volunteers worked 10,187.65 hours this year serving clients, resetting the pantry, stocking the store and picking up donations. This was a 194% increase over 2024. It is still the best part of the job to work with so many genuinely good people.
Monetary donations are also up 47% over 2024 and 26% over our budget projections. Our newly renovated thrift store increased overall revenue 28% with our recycling and sourcing programs. Store sales were up 10% over 2024. More importantly, we are serving more clients who need assistance with a larger selection of clothing and the most requested household items.
As our client roster continues to increase, we are grateful for the donors, volunteers and member churches who come through for us over and over. 2025 was a great year. In 2026 we look forward to seeing how God moves through the LCM and the generous people in our community.
