RIBBON CUTTING … The brand-new ministry in Edgerton called No More Walls, officially opened their outdoor food pantry with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Tuesday morning, January 3, 2023. Present for the event were, from left to right, Edgerton Mayor Robert Day, Edgerton chamber member Jeff Lyon, President/Manager Tammi Van Dyke, Treasurer Charles Woods and Edgerton Village Administrator Dawn Fitzcharles. (PHOTO BY REBECCA MILLER, STAFF)
By: Rebecca Miller
“No More Walls Ministry” in Edgerton which has opened a small thrift shop on the west side of the square across from the bandstand, is now the home of a Cupboard Food Pantry.
Just outside of their front door is a tall cabinet filled with supplies for anyone who needs them. Residents are encouraged to take what they need, put in what they don’t need, or both.
They even have some coolers inside to hopefully keep some things from freezing when the temps drop.
The care and cleaning of the cupboard will be done by some young citizens, members of Cub Scout Pack #29.
The President of the Board for No More Walls Ministry which was just formed in November 2022 is Tammi Van Dyke and she is thrilled with how quickly the ministry is coming together.
With much encouragement from the village and other businesses, the little store is open and welcoming customers.
They have a variety of items that are constantly changing as customers make purchases and Van Dyke brings out new items to replace them. “I buy pallets full and from auctions and take donations,” she said, adding, “some are new and boxed and some are used.” After they pay the overhead for the building, “every penny goes to helping Edgerton residents who have needs.”
“We haven’t narrowed it down to what type of need we will help, so they can come to us and share whatever their need may be. If we can help, we do and if not, we give them recommendations of who else to ask.”
The Bible Verse, I Peter 4:8 is displayed as they desire to walk this out in their ministry. It says, “Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins.”
“Love is the most important thing,” Tammi said, with a big smile, “and that is what we want to do, show Christ’s love to everyone.”
As a not-for-profit ministry, they have a board whose members at present are Van Dyke, her son Chesney Van Dyke who is the chairman, Charles Woods as treasurer and Dave Healy who is their spokesman and secretary. The board was formed on November 1, 2022 and the store opened on November 16, 2022.
Their motto states that they are “an organization brought together to assist families when storms are at sea.”
They are hoping to be able to “help people that fall between the cracks of government assistance.” They are also excited to be able to assist others outside of their own village when the need arises.
“During the Tennessee wildfires, we were able to collect enough donations to fill a 53’ semi-trailer, while Cookie Carriers donated transportation.”
When considering whether to call them for help, Tammi wants everyone to feel free to bring any need to them.
So far they have helped with groceries, hygiene, yard maintenance, meal delivery, entertaining elders without family, thanksgiving meals, Christmas gifts, photography for Jr/Sr. High school pictures, vehicle maintenance, home maintenance and medical assistance.
So no problem is too small or too big for them to consider and to pray about with you.
They may be reached in person when the store is open, or by calling 260-442-7156 for Tammi or 260-645-0407 for Charles Woods. Dave Healy may be reached at dhealy37262@gmail.com.
Rebecca may be reached at rebecca@thevillagereporter.com
