First Dawn Food Pantry is located on the lower level of Restoration Church in Centerville. This community outreach program began under prior leadership and has continued to grow with new guidance. Current Executive Director Mike Garland and Deputy Director Deanna Arellano run the organization like a well-oiled machine with the help of volunteers and donations from the community.
Mike and Deanna have combined their talents for about three years. Mike explains, “We work well together. She does a lot of day-to-day operations and manages volunteers while I manage funding, do outreach and work with other pantries and the local foodbank.”
First Dawn is an income-based choice food pantry that serves 18 zip codes in the Dayton area. Shoppers must provide photo identification and proof of address. Once registered, shoppers are assisted throughout the process by a volunteer. Foods are grouped and marked with a color card system to designate what each shopper may select based on their family size. Offerings include canned goods, fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy and meats. Pet foods, diapers and cleaning supplies are also available.
The food pantry serves the community on Thursday evenings from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Families may shop monthly. Deanna shares, “We just make them feel comfortable. We don't judge anybody and we're here to help.”
First Dawn Food Pantry was founded in 2015 and has served more than 100,000 meals to more than 11,000 people since. Tears of joy are a regular occurrence.
One shopper comments, “I’m so very grateful for these lovely people and those who offer food and necessities for distribution by the pantry. Thank you so much and God bless you all!”
First Dawn relies heavily on continual donations from individuals and local businesses. Current sponsors include Dorothy Lane Market, Bill’s Donuts and Philly Pretzel Factory. Centerville Police and Moraine Police, Fire and Administration have also given tremendous support with monetary donations or food drives. First Dawn is currently seeking dairy, meat and produce sponsors.
“We've been very blessed with a lot of donations, but it's an ongoing and constant process,” says Mike.
He also coordinates with other local food pantries. If one food pantry has more cereal than they need and another is overrun with tomato sauce, they will arrange to balance their stock.
First Dawn Food Pantry gets assistance from multiple churches and organizations through Hope4 Centerville Washington Township. “A church or organization adopts us each month and they do a food drive which is amazing,” states Deanna.
The Centerville Noon Optimist Haunted Trail is an annual boon to the pantry typically garnering eight to ten barrels of donations. The event will be held October 10-11 this year at Countryside Park.
Grace’s Place is a monthly dinner at Restoration Church allowing pantry shoppers and volunteers to join together in fellowship over a meal. Grace’s Place serves more than 70 people on the third Thursday of each month from March to December except for November. On the Saturday before Thanksgiving, a Friendsgiving meal is served and is open to the entire community.
You can help by donating, volunteering, holding a food drive or sponsoring a specific pantry need. Food, monetary and gift card donations can be made at Restoration Church Monday through Thursday 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Non-perishable donations can be dropped off inside Bill’s Donuts 24 hours a day.
“We just make them feel comfortable. We don't judge anybody and we're here to help,” shares Deanna.