By Teresa Moore

The Tribune

For those having a rough time coping with the equally rough economy, a donation to the First United Methodist Church could well be a gift from heaven.

The church’s food pantry has received a donation of 200 boxes of coats, 200 boxes of blankets, 192 boxes of athletic shoes and 80 boxes of diapers as well as school supplies in backpacks and toys from Grandma’s Gifts in Columbus. Grandma’s Gifts is a non-profit organization that aids needy people.

All of the items are new. Food pantry director Colleen Massey said this is the largest donation the food pantry has ever gotten.

“It was over 1,000 boxes and we’re overwhelmed. We hope this gets to the right people,” she said.

The items will be given away 9 a.m.- noon Wednesday, Jan. 7.

Those who have questions may call Massey at 532-2612 or the church at 532-1196.