O.A.S.I.S. Food Pantry

Over twenty-one years ago a small group of people asked themselves, "How can we help those of our neighbors who are in need?" A group of caring individuals from three Lutheran Churches decided to respond to one of the most basic needs for survival; and that was to provide food assistance. These three churches; Living Lord, Christ the King, and, Hope gathered together the necessary volunteers and Christ the King provided the physical facility to give birth to: Outreach Assistance Serving Individuals in St. Charles County (O.A.S.I.S. Food Pantry) - a mission offering food assistance. This mission is incorporated as a 501(c)3, nonprofit organization. There are no paid personnel at O.A.S.I.S. The original location for the pantry was on Christ The King Church property in St. Peters. During 1997 OASIS moved to our current location at 1814 Boone's Lick (rear) in St. Charles. Dramatic growth in the number of people coming for help has occurred since that move. The pantry provided food and hygiene items to 3669 families during 2007. This original small group of volunteers has grown to over 400 volunteers that support this mission on a monthly basis. The number of families served has grown from a few dozen to as many as 600 families a month. The quantity and variety of food has gone from; dividing up whatever was donated - to a fixed menu of food and hygiene items to help the family needs for over a week The number of churches supporting this mission (serving on the board) has gone from 3 to 16 churches with 27 board members. In addition to the 16 churches represented by 27 members on the board; the total number of churches involved is 43.There are 39 business and 43 fraternal and other organizations, and 35 schools. These groups sponsor food drives, donate money, or other support of O.A.S.I.S. in this mission. Grants are provided by the city, state, businesses, private, and, others. What you can see is that O.A.S.I.S. Food Pantry is supported by a cross-section of the community. There is a definite need for this type of mission and the need is growing. The families we help are mostly single parent and/or working families; some are disabled and some are retirees. A large number of the families include children. Their limited income and benefits can not meet all of today's basic needs. Some have been laid off and later re-employed at a lesser pay with lesser or no benefits. A family of four "working" but making less than $22,600 a year are considered to be at the poverty level. We at O.A.S.I.S. Food Pantry want to thank all of the many sources of support that have kept this mission alive and responsive to the needs in our community. Without the support of you and your organizations, this mission would have ceased to function. It is your support, care, and concern that brings help to those who need help. Your past support has meant so much to the families in our community. Your future support is not only desired, but is vitally necessary to continue this mission.