While the outdoor loading station buzzes with energy and smiles, there is a quiet, sacred space inside Gateway to Hope where a different kind of magic happens. This is Sheila’s domain. Out of sight from the busy scene, Sheila is the steady heartbeat of preparation. With focused care, she assembles the distribution bags that will… Continue reading Unseen Hands: The Sacred Work of Preparation
Month: October 2025
Can a Spud Spark a Spiritual Awakening?
When we think of Christian outreach, we picture Bibles, sermons, and worship songs. A humble potato doesn’t usually make the list; it’s just a “spud”. Often it’s lumpy, rather earthy, and quite simple. Here is a photo of some spuds we recently handed out on a Saturday morning. What if this simple tuber was a… Continue reading Can a Spud Spark a Spiritual Awakening?
It’s 6AM; Do you know where your Onions Are?
It’s 6 AM on a Saturday. Ocala is dark, quiet, and for most sensible people, still tucked in bed. But not for some “Gateway to Hope” volunteers. If you peer into our Gateway to Hope parking lots, you’d see a flurry of shadowy figures, the rumble of carts, and the soft thud of cardboard boxes.… Continue reading It’s 6AM; Do you know where your Onions Are?
Did you know…
In accordance with Federal law and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, Gateway to Hope is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin (including English proficiency), limited religion, sex, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, reprisal or… Continue reading Did you know…
What is TEFAP? Distributions; 3rd Thursday of the month 9:00 AM-11:00 AM.
TEFAP, or The Emergency Food Assistance Program, is a federal program that provides food to supplement the diets of low-income Americans through emergency food assistance sites like food banks and pantries. Administered by the USDA, the program purchases and distributes nutritious foods to states, which then provide them to local organizations that serve the public. TEFAP Distributions; 3rd… Continue reading What is TEFAP? Distributions; 3rd Thursday of the month 9:00 AM-11:00 AM.