Funviralpark North Ogden, Utah – At the Tri-City Exchange in North Ogden on Friday, more than 2,000 Utah families received food, clothing and Christmas gifts to help them get through the Holiday Weekend.
“Today is really special,” said Mike Larson, creator of Tri City Exchange. “I want children to know that life is still fun, and I want parents to know that there is hope.”
The Tri City Exchange is a food pantry that opened in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, serving the communities of North Ogden, Pleasant View and Harrisville.
“We started with 20-30 people and now we’re getting 2,000 people every Friday,” says Larson.
But giving to the community today was something special. Only two days before Christmas he was done. This was an opportunity to help low- and middle-income families struggling to make ends meet during this time.
“They really give you the Christmas spirit you want to feel,” Kelsey Pearce, who visited The Pantry on Friday with her family, said. If you are a person.”
About 20 volunteers handed out boxes of fresh produce, meat and other pantry items on Friday. At one point, lines of people soliciting donations stretched along the parking lot and along Washington Boulevard, and a visitor to the pantry was handed not only warm clothes, but Christmas gifts, wrapping paper, and holiday decorations. I was able to put it in
“I have a passion for helping people and that helps me,” said volunteer Sylvia Randall. “I started during covid and I’ve been here two and a half years.”
The pantry is open every day, although Fridays may be the first visitor.
Joanna Hathaway, who stopped by with her two children, said: “I was actually driving by and recently I had some trouble and it’s been really hard. So it’s a blessing to be here.” rice field.
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Athaway said he recently lost his job and is now homeless. She will be staying at home over the holiday weekend and hopes to have a permanent residence soon.In the meantime, she hopes that her Tri City Exchange donations received today will help support her holiday season. Saying it helps feed the kids on the weekends.
“When you’re in a situation like ours, that’s what makes the biggest difference,” she said.
Families also had the chance to visit Santa and Mrs. Claus at a community event on Friday. After that, the children got to choose books, coloring books, toys and treats.
“He wants his children to know that they matter and what they think is important.
At a time when funds are scarce for many families, Tri City Exchange has brought hope to many in need.
“We needed food and now we know this place and we will be back,” said Hathaway.
Over the nearly three years Tri City Exchange has been in operation, Larson said 82 million pounds of food have been distributed. He hopes to continue providing food to middle- and low-income families in northern Utah for years to come.
“If you need something, regardless of your income, come get what you need,” Larson said.
