COLUMBUS, Ohio — Millions of Americans live paycheck to paycheck and with rising costs for just about everything, many need help with making ends meet.

However, one street ministry in a small Ohio city between Columbus and Cincinnati is making a difference for hundreds of families each month, and it all started with a $5 gift card.

What You Need To Know

  • Hands of Christ Street Ministry started nearly a decade ago with a $5 McDonald's gift card

  • Each month, the food pantry helps hundreds of people in Washington Court House

  • People call, set an appointment, and schedule days to come "shop" free of charge

  • Dozens of volunteers help the mission run smoothly

Lori Bowen is one of the founders of "Hands of Christ Street Ministry" in Washington Court House.

Several days a week, she helps keep operations running at the food pantry.

“We always provide a dozen eggs, a loaf of bread, half gallon of milk, whatever meat we have at the time,” Bowen said.

People call, set an appointment, and shop — no money needed and no questions asked about income.

“So, they get the things they need, not just what we put in a bag or something. We are the hands and feet of Jesus and it’s great to share what the Lord is bringing in,” she said.

Right now, the donations come from distribution centers around Columbus, but Bowen’s mission to help people started a long time ago.

“This started nine years ago, I just felt led to walk the streets. Just praying and I gave them a $5 McDonald’s card to have some lunch,” Bowen said.

She started a food pantry in her garage and within a few years, she opened the warehouse.

Dozens of volunteers help more than 400 families each month get basic groceries.

“It’s a real blessing that the Lord supplies us with all this food and stuff for people to come and shop and there’s a big need and it’s a reward for us just to be part of it,” said volunteer Tim Borror as he sorted grocery bags.

While a lot of people who come might be experiencing homelessness, others work full time or they’re retired just needing help to fill in gaps like help with a casserole or simple cleaning products like paper towels.

“It’s really been a blessing,” said Washington Court House resident Regina Coy.

Like millions of Americans, Coy is a senior and sees her budget tighten up every month.

“I live on a fixed income, and I live by myself, and the bills come in and I have to pay them and then you’re short. So, this place helps a lot,” she said.

Once shopping is done and groceries are bagged, volunteers always offer to pray with people as they leave.

“I got a few things that I’m going to make myself for Christmas and Thanksgiving,” said Coy.

If people can’t come to the pantry, volunteers will deliver to people living in hotels, new mothers needing formula, and people who are elderly or sick.

For Bowen, the urge to help comes from a very personal place.

“My husband and I were homeless at one time. We had to go to food pantries just to make ends meet to feed our family. So yes. I know exactly how it feels to try to make ends meet and not have enough once you pay the bills to go get groceries to feed your family,” she said.

With so many donations coming in, Bowen hopes to expand.

The goal is to open up a new center for clothes and shoes and to give the ministry more room to grow.

“One of the main things we want people to know when they come in is not that they’re getting this food to help them, but that they’re loved very much,” said Bowen.

The food pantry is only one part of the mission behind Hands of Christ Street Ministry.

Volunteers also help with finding furniture, auto repairs, children’s items, and healthcare resources.