For the past four years, Feed My Sheep has provided services to those in need in downtown Canton. Starting with just serving hot coffee out of the back of a personal vehicle in a downtown parking lot, the ministry evolved to include serving hot meals every Saturday morning and on holidays, and handing out sack lunches, even during the COVID shut-down. Over the last four years, Feed My Sheep has seen the need for services increase. In partnership with the Crossroads United Methodist Church, there are now bathrooms and showers to those in need of those facilities, and free laundry facilities are currently in progress! This has all evolved into working alongside the Canton Free Store and Fresh Market. They provide free clothing, household items, and food (including FRESH produce, dairy, etc) to individuals and families. There are no income guidelines or qualifications. If someone comes in with a need, the store does what they can to assist them. Carrie Maletich, the founder of Feed My Sheep, is now the director and coordinator of the Canton Free Store. If you have previously donated to Feed My Sheep and would like to continue to provide support to the same types of ministry services, you can donate to the Canton Free Store (you can donate through Jackson Friends as long as you designate your check/envelope that it is for the Canton Free Store). They also accept donations of clothing and household items at the Crossroads United Methodist Church (120 Cleveland Ave SW, Canton) between 9:00am-4:00pm Tuesdays through Fridays. Donations can also be dropped off at Jackson Friends on Sundays, or Mondays through Fridays from 8:30am-3:00pm.
It is exciting to see God working through these downtown ministries!