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By JOYANNA LOVE/ Managing Editor

Through the Grace of God Ministries is looking for community partners and volunteers.

The organization has continued to provide food to the community during the COVID-19 pandemic through food distribution days. Serving hot meals has been suspended for now because social distancing regulations could not be followed.

Bro. Ralph Bingham said Through the Grace of God Ministries has given away multiple tractor trailers worth of food.

“More people are needing food now,” Bingham said. “… We continue to serve the needs of the community.”

The ministries are funding solely through donations.

Work is also continuing on a discount store the organization had hoped to open in December 2019. Volunteers are needed to make the store a reality.

Sunday Hosch with the organization emphasized there are a variety of volunteer opportunities, including some that could be done from home.

“It’s perfect for youth groups or families,” Hosch said. “… There are things we can find for everybody (to do).”

Social distancing guidelines will be followed.

Those interested in volunteering can contact Through the Grace of God Ministries at 205-755-8199, tgog.clanton@gmail.com or on Facebook.

Use of the building was donated to the organization, but work was needed to get the building to the point it could be used for a store with an eating area (which is also in the works).

Bingham said the outlet store would create a steady source of income for the ministry.

“We are still several months from being open because we don’t have the manpower,” Bingham said.

The building is full of items to be for sale in varying degrees of being organized for display.

Hosch said volunteers and monetary donations would be helpful.

“Monetary donations are down,” Hosch said.

Because the organization has zero paid employees, Through the Grace of God Ministries’ application for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan was rejected.

Bingham commented that the summer time is usually a slow time for donations.

In addition to this being a tough time as it is for many organizations that run on donations, Through the Grace of God Ministries has also had four air conditioning units fail.

Bingham started the ministry about 19 years ago. He said he has always been willing to help those who ask.

Bingham said many who come to the ministry for help “don’t have anywhere else to go.”