On this episode of Along the Rock, host Kaitlyn Blum sits down with Kassey Wells from the Helping Hands Food Pantry in Sterling. Learn how Helping Hands provides food, support, and dignity to families in need, including unique touches like birthday kits and a self-shop model that gives guests a grocery shopping experience rather than a charity handout.
📈 Since reopening in March 2025, the pantry has seen demand rise sharply, serving hundreds of local families each month. Kassey also shares challenges the pantry faces, including keeping a steady supply of meat and essential paper products, and ways the community can help.
💡 Upcoming Fundraiser:
Ribs for Rations Dinner
🗓 Saturday, October 11
⏰ 3:00–7:00 PM
📍 First Church of the Nazarene, Sterling
Enjoy ribs, mac and cheese, green beans, and homemade desserts. All proceeds go directly to Helping Hands to purchase food for the pantry.
✨ Ways to Support Helping Hands:
Drop off food, meat, or paper goods at the pantry: 1208 East 4th Street, Sterling (Door #6)
Monetary donations
Follow the pantry on Facebook to stay updated on future events and needs
👉 Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more local stories from Rock Falls and beyond.
🎧 Listen to the full podcast and explore more at https://theradar.online
🎤 Timestamps & Highlights:
00:25 – Introducing Cassie Wells & Helping Hands Food Pantry
00:46 – Mission: Serving with dignity & sharing God’s love
01:13 – Growth in community need: doubling guests in months
01:32 – How the pantry works: self-shop model
02:34 – Reducing waste & donating leftovers
03:13 – Providing dignity through choice & snacks for kids
03:59 – Challenges: meat supply & paper products
05:08 – How the community can support Helping Hands
05:27 – Location & pantry details
05:48 – Upcoming rib dinner fundraiser
06:47 – Other ways to donate & support
07:20 – Understanding food insecurity
08:04 – Fun question: Pantry items on a deserted island
08:40 – Urgent needs
09:23 – New projects
10:10 – Future fundraisers
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#Helping Hands, #Food Pantry, #Food insecurity, #Feeding with dignity, #Food pantry fundraiser, #Homeless outreach, #Illinois community support
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