Author: gatewaytohope

On this very beautiful Easter day in Ocala, may you feel God’s love in every small kindness — like the bread shared, the hand extended, or the prayer whispered. Christ’s resurrection reminds us: hope is alive, and you are not forgotten. We stand with you in faith, trusting that brighter days are ahead. ‘For I… Continue reading 🌿 Easter Blessings for You!

Dear Gateway to Hope Family, With deep sadness, we share the passing of our beloved volunteer, James Leroy Sigmun, whose unwavering dedication and kindness touched countless lives. For years, James was the first face you met, as he faithfully guided vehicles into distribution lanes with patience, precision, and a warm smile. Rain or shine, he… Continue reading The passing of our beloved volunteer, James Leroy Sigmun.

Gateway to Hope’s volunteers—your neighbors, retirees, teens, and busy moms—give their time to feed Ocala families with dignity and love. 🏡 Proud to serve Marion County together! Tag a volunteer who inspires you below! 👇 “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” – 1 Peter 4:8

Some plant seeds. Some water them. And some—like our Gateway to Hope volunteers—prepare the harvest with hands that serve and hearts that give. 💕 “The world may not notice, but heaven records every act of love.” To our dedicated team: May God pour back into you double the joy you give to others! “Give, and it will be given… Continue reading 🙏 A Quiet Legacy of Love

From sorting donations to packing boxes, every task at Gateway to Hope matters—and every volunteer is essential to feeding our community. 🌿 “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” (1 Peter 4:10) To our behind-the-scenes crew: You inspire us! 🙌

“Jesus fed the five thousand with just five loaves and two fish (Matthew 14:13-21). .” just five loaves and two fish (Matthew 14:13-21). When the disciples saw a hungry crowd, they saw a problem, but Jesus saw an opportunity for a miracle. No act of generosity is too small for God to use. A young… Continue reading “God can take what little we have and turn it into more than enough”.

🌟 Celebrating the Amazing Alvin! 🌟 Alvin’s dedication, compassion, and unwavering commitment to helping others have touched countless lives. His tireless spirit and generous heart are an inspiration to us all. Thank you, Alvin, for your years of service and the positive impact you’ve made in our community. You are truly a gift to Gateway… Continue reading We are thrilled to celebrate Alvin, an incredible volunteer at Gateway to Hope, who just turned 82! 🎉

God is a provider, and He often uses His people to meet the needs of others. When we share our food with those who hunger, we participate in His divine provision. It takes faith to give! This is true especially when resources are limited, but we can trust that God will always provide for those… Continue reading “Feeding the hungry isn’t just an act of charity—it’s an act of faith. As we give, we reflect the heart of God, who never lets His children go hungry.”

The love of God is meant to flow through us to others. If we claim to love God but turn a blind eye to those in need, our faith is incomplete. True love is active—it moves us to give, to serve, and to care for those who are struggling. Feeding the hungry is not just… Continue reading “‘If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?’ (1 John 3:17). Let’s show the world God’s love by giving freely!”

Everything we have is a gift from God, and He calls us to be good stewards of those blessings. When we choose to share our resources with the hungry, we become vessels of His love and grace. Just as Jesus multiplied the loaves and fish to feed thousands, He can multiply our small acts of… Continue reading “God provides for us so that we can provide for others. Share your blessings, and watch how He multiplies love and hope through you!”

Generosity is not just about giving; it is about the condition of our hearts. When we share what we have with those who are struggling, we open ourselves to God’s abundant blessings. These blessings may not always be material, but they come in the form of joy, peace, and fulfillment. God delights in a cheerful… Continue reading “Proverbs 22:9 reminds us, ‘The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor.’ God blesses those who give with a willing heart!”

esus makes it clear that when we serve those in need, we are serving Him directly. Every meal shared, every kind gesture, and every act of compassion is an opportunity to reflect Christ’s love. We may not always see the impact of our generosity, but God does. By providing food for those who hunger, we… Continue reading “Jesus said, ‘I was hungry and you gave me something to eat’ (Matthew 25:35). When we feed the hungry, we serve Christ Himself. Let’s be His hands and feet today!”

As an artist from the Kansas City Art Institute, Wayne saw beauty in music, science, and the natural world. He found joy in the rhythm of the ocean, the warmth of a good cup of coffee, and the simple pleasure of ice cream. Boating and salt water were his sanctuary, and Gateway to Hope —… Continue reading We mourn the loss of a cherished member of our team on February 24, 2025, after a valiant struggle against cancer.

The gift of bread is more than just food—it’s a symbol of nourishment, care, and community. Across many cultures, offering bread represents hospitality, generosity, and even spiritual sustenance. In the Bible, bread often carries deeper meaning. Jesus described Himself as the “bread of life” (John 6:35), signifying the gift of eternal sustenance and spiritual fulfillment.… Continue reading The gift of bread is more than just food…

That act of kindness reflects the spirit of compassion Jesus spoke about. In Matthew 25:35, He said, “For I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat.” Sharing bread with those in need is a beautiful, tangible way to live out that message. Have you seen any examples of that kind of generosity recently?

There’s something profoundly heartwarming about a volunteer distributing food to those in need, their face lit up with a genuine, radiant smile. Here we are last Saturday at Gateway to Hope. It’s a crisp morning. The tables lined with many vegetables, breads, pastries, spices, yogurt, milk, orange juice, and many other items. Amidst the bustle,… Continue reading A genuine, radiant smile reminds someone that they matter…

Despite experiencing physical pain and discomfort, our remarkable volunteer, Courtney, managed the pastry table, bringing joy to numerous individuals this past Saturday. Meanwhile, we take a peek at The Lighthouse Kitchen: A Warm Meal, A Warmer Heart. In the quiet town of Fort Myers, Florida, a small but mighty soup kitchen called The Lighthouse Kitchen… Continue reading “Beyond the Plate”; Inspiring stories about feeding the hungry. James “Jim” Patterson’s Lighthouse Kitchen”

As we see “Michael”, a wonderful Gateway to Hope volunteer hauling giant bags of carrots, let’s take a look at another Florida story called the “Sunshine pantry”! In the heart of a bustling Florida community lies the “Sunshine Pantry,” a free food pantry and soup kitchen that serves as a lifeline for countless families. Established… Continue reading “Beyond the Plate”; Inspiring stories about feeding the hungry. Maria Alvarez and her Sunshine Pantry”

Jesus told a parable about a man who invited his friends and neighbors to a banquet, but they declined. So he told his servants to go find anyone who was hungry or lonely or in need. Still there was room. “Go out to the roads and country lanes and compel them to come in,” the… Continue reading Always room in God’s kingdom

Did you not know that God entrusted you with that money — all above what buys necessities for your families — to feed the hungry, to clothe the naked, to help the stranger, the widow, the fatherless; and, indeed, as far as it will go, to relieve the wants of all mankind? How can you,… Continue reading To feed the hungry…