Now there is an easier way to find out what the ministry currently needs. With recent changes to the HIM website, a new page has been added that includes a simple graph showing what the ministry has in its pantry. Simply click on the "Our Current Needs" menu item at the top of any page.

 We've divided up the pantry into food categories and listed the amount on hand in a percentage basis. Items are also color-coded to give a quick indication of how needed they are. For example, if an item is showing red, it is a critically low level.

 Categories showing at or near 100% mean we expect our current stock to be sufficient for next few weeks. Similarly, categories showing less than 50% mean we could use more of those items. Categories showing less than 25% are at critical levels and are needed immediately.

 So the next time you are planning a trip to the grocery store, check out the web page and then pick up a few of the most needed items.

Several local businesses leaders made sizable donations to the HIM recently, helping it to survive summer shortage of food. Executive Director donna Huckins said, "I've never had to shut the doors of giving out food in the four and a half years that I've been here. But this time, we just didn't have any more food."

The donations, which totaled more than $2,500, were coordinated by Toni Dorsey who works with AssisCare. Toni said a Facebook post of empty shelves got her attention. She took it upon herself to visit several local businesses she had contact with and solicit donations.

Toni also took on the responsibility of buy food with the cash donations. "I've never shopped for so much food," Toni said. While several of the donors gather last week for a photo, Huckins thanked and praised them. "This has been wonderful," she said. "Toni has truly kept our doors open."

Photo:  (L-R) Christy Staneart, Brookdale; Donna Huckins, Executive Director of H.I.M.; Toni Dorsey, AssistCare; Jim Kale, Executive Director at Azalea Place; Krissy Chastain, Director of Medical/Surgical at East Texas Medical Center Henderson; Joe Costello, Executive Director at Autumn Leaves. Not pictured are Representatives from Henderson Family Medicine, Henderson Health and Rehab Center, Dr. Walgama and CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic.