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Colors of Love Ministries of the Mobile Church of the Nazarene was started by Ana Maria Ramirez Sawyer in 2016. After retiring from 25 years working with people with disabilities, she knew she couldn’t just sit at home and do nothing. One day she was particularly moved while reading John 21:16 where Jesus asks Peter, “Do you love me?” Peter answers, “Yes.” Jesus says “Feed my sheep.” She felt personally called by Jesus’ words to help the hungry.
First, Colors of Love made and distributed “blessing bags” to the local homeless populations. While the included toiletries were appreciated, it became apparent that a lack of access to food was another pressing need, so the ministry began working with other organizations to prepare and distribute meals; first to the homeless, then to nearby food-insecure Latinx families.
In 2020, Colors of Love began partnering with The Pantry. Every Tuesday, her team picks up and delivers nutritious groceries to dozens of families who have no way to get to Central themselves.
For Ana Maria, it’s an honor to serve God, and it’s a great privilege to bring food to those who don’t have it.
We Deeply Appreciate All Our Volunteers!
The Food Pantry at Central could not fulfill its mission of providing nutritious groceries to food-insecure Mobilians without each and every one of our volunteers. If we could thank you personally every day, we would!
Volunteer Spotlight
Periodically we highlight one of our volunteers so you can get to know them better. Before the COVID-19 lockdown, Laura Burce hadn’t done much volunteering. Between raising two boys with her husband and extensive work travel there just wasn’t enough time!
After being furloughed from her job as a corporate events organizer, she saw a Facebook post from her neighbor, Susan Comeaux, asking for volunteers to help the pantry. She responded and started serving as a part of our incredible Alabama School of Math and Science Parking Lot Crew. Crew members line up hundreds of cars by appointment time, greet each person to see how they are doing, and check-in each family (many pick up for themselves and up to three other neighbors).
While her day job has resumed, Laura continues volunteering a few hours every Tuesday as she is able. She says the experience has made her feel connected and rooted to the neighbor