Loaves and Fishes Reopens in Hinton
HINTON—More than 50 friends and supporters gathered to celebrate the
reopening of Catholic Charities West Virginia’s (CCWVa) Loaves and Fishes center
in Hinton May 6.
Brian DeRouen, director of the office, and Jane Duffield, former director, cut
the ribbon together, officially opening the new facility to the community.
“Loaves and Fishes serves Hinton in a multitude of ways,” DeRouen said. “From
providing food, clothing and help with utilities bills to those in need to
offering a gathering space where people can spend time in the company of
friends, our goal is to offer something to each person in our community. Our
social services touch the lives of hundreds of Hinton’s residents every month,
and our new storefront has provided an attractive place for people to shop in
the downtown area.”
Since its opening in 1986, Loaves and Fishes has offered a variety of services
including emergency utility assistance, a residential summer camp for children,
a thrift store, monthly donated foods distribution, an annual holiday dinner and
the SHARE food-buying cooperative.
The agency was forced to move from its former location upon the recent collapse
of the building adjacent to its original storefront.
Michael Vincent, director of the Southern Region of CCWVa, welcomed all to the
celebration and emphasized that the facility’s move, after 23 years at its first
location, made for a natural time to reflect on the agency’s past, present and
future. After the ceremony, Vincent said the new center benefits the community
in many ways.
“It’s just a much more inviting and comfortable place, both for those we help
and those who assist with the outreach,” Vincent said. “It’s more than tripled
the floor space of our thrift store and already attracts more customers.”
Also present for the ceremony were Margaret O’Neal, director of the United Way
of Southern West Virginia; Hinton Mayor Cleo Matthews; and Dr. Symon Satow, lay
leader at First Presbyterian Church in Hinton.
The center is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
Volunteers are welcome to assist with the organization’s work. For more
information, call (304) 466-2110.
(Source: Catholic Spirit)