Chris Landrum has always had a heart for helping others. For 26 years, she worked as a counselor at Mineral Area College (MAC), where she guided students planning their future careers. Her role extended beyond advising, as she built lifelong relationships with students and faculty, leaving a lasting impact on the MAC community.
Chris’s dedication for giving back hasn't been confined to the walls of academia, however. She has always had a passion for the art of baking – kneading dough, decorating cakes, and sharing homemade goods with friends and family. For Chris, baking wasn’t just a hobby, it was a way to comfort others. Her love for baking, paired with her commitment to community service, ultimately led to the creation of Help the Hungry.
In 2004, she was moved by a Parade magazine article about the Great American Bake Sale, a nationwide charity that raises funds to feed children in after-school programs. The concept of using something as simple as a bake sale to make a meaningful impact deeply resonated with her, inspiring her to create an event that could directly support her own community.
When she first pitched the idea of a community bake sale to a local business owner, her enthusiasm was met with skepticism. However, the seed had been planted. A year later, she experienced a moment of divine intervention, “Hey Chris, what about this bake sale?” she recalls hearing in her heart.
Encouraged by this renewed sense of purpose, Chris reached out to Chuck Henson, a longtime administrator at Farmington High School and an active member of First Baptist Church. Recognizing the potential of her vision, Chuck helped Chris connect with key community members who could help bring her idea to life. With his support, Chris rallied a group of twelve women from various churches; all eager to join forces for a common cause. Together, they formed the Help the Hungry committee, setting in motion what would become one of Farmington’s most impactful non-profit organizations.
In 2005, the first Help the Hungry Bake Sale took place at the Centene Center featuring vendor booths, a small live auction, and cooking demonstrations. The overwhelming response exceeded all expectations. Donations poured in – so many, in fact, that organizers struggled to find enough space for all the baked goods, raising over $10,000 for those in need within the community.
Thanks to the tireless efforts of volunteers, the bake sale has grown into an annual tradition that raises significant funding for local food pantries. What began as a simple idea, born from a love of baking and a desire to feed those in need, has become a vital resource for many, proving that a little flour and sugar can spice up community spirit to change lives.
Chris' original vision has evolved into more than just an opportunity to purchase homemade treats. It’s now a Parkland-wide celebration that brings together churches, businesses, social organizations, schools, and residents. Each year, the event features an array of activities, including live and silent auctions, raffles, and the much-anticipated Cookin' Clergy Contest, where local pastors have fun showcasing their baking skills. The 19th annual bake sale, held on November 23, 2024, was a testament to the community’s dedication, raising an impressive $118,000. The proceeds were equally distributed between the St. Vincent de Paul and Farmington Ministerial Alliance food pantries.
Over the years, the foundation’s impact has been profound. To date, cumulative contributions have surpassed one million dollars, solidifying the community's unwavering commitment to supporting neighbors in need. The bake sale's success is not only measured in dollars, but in the unity and generosity it fosters amongst participants. Attendees anticipate the yearly event, often lining up early to secure coveted pies and other sweet treats. The live auction features a variety of items, from sports tickets to unique experiences, ensuring something for everyone.
In addition to the annual bake sale, Help the Hungry has expanded its efforts to include another beloved community event, Help the Hungry BBQ. This initiative began over 10 years ago when Tim Morgan, Service Manager at Auffenberg Chevrolet of Farmington, offered his help. Eager to contribute, Auffenberg soon became a key sponsor of the event.
The Help the Hungry BBQ has become a savory staple of the annual fundraising efforts. Last year alone, the event sold 1600 BBQ lunches in just two hours, raising $11,700 with the community coming together to enjoy great food and fellowship for a worthy cause. This event has proven to be just as successful as the bake sale, with all proceeds benefiting local food pantries.
With each bake sale and BBQ, Help the Hungry continues to strengthen its mission of supporting our neighbors, proving we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of others, if we work together. Nearly two decades later, this foundation stands as a powerful testament to the impact of generosity and goodwill, continuing to shine as a beacon of hope for the Parkland and beyond.
Chris and the women of Help The Hungry have laid a foundation of success, for which we can deeply admire but her goal has shifted from gaining awareness, to building a legacy. Can we move the needle even more? Chris thinks so. It is now up to us and our daughters to see this movement not only last, but grow and make an even bigger impact. She is the mark of a true pioneer, born of a generation made up of grit and hard work. The young women of The Parkland can aim higher by joining the team and getting involved. Let's forge ahead and model her tenacity in a time when this resource is most needed. If you’d like to be part of this incredible mission, there are endless ways you can help. Reach out to Chris Landrum or visit the Help the Hungry Facebook page. Your kindness can change lives.
"The work we do is vital, many people in our community rely on food pantries to thrive."
"To my team – I couldn’t have done this without you, thank you for making it possible."