Community Heroes: Wilmore Residents Volunteer to Stock Shelves at Local Grocery Amid Staffing Shortages

Community Heroes: Wilmore Steps Up to Keep Local Grocery Stocked

Wilmore – Every Tuesday at exactly 4 p.m., a heartwarming scene unfolds at Fitch’s IGA, a local grocery store in the quaint town of Wilmore. Community members, in an act of unity and kindness, volunteer to stock the store’s shelves for an hour. Spearheaded by Marcy Thobaben, wife of a pastor at the volunteer-led Mt. Zion Global Methodist Church, and retired attorney Jerry Wallace, this initiative is a remarkable instance of community spirit.

Discovering a Need

Several months ago, Thobaben found the grocery store’s shelves unusually bare during one of her shopping trips. Curious, she inquired about this anomaly to the store’s proprietor, Leonard Fitch. She found out that the store was struggling with a shortage of personnel to restock shelves and unload delivery palettes. Realizing the importance of this store for the local community, especially for items not available at the Dollar General next door, Thobaben decided to extend a helping hand.

Mobilizing the Community

Upon conveying the situation to her husband, and in turn, the congregation of Mt. Zion Global Methodist Church, an action plan was set in motion. Jerry Wallace, a retired attorney, decided to head this mission, dedicating his time every Tuesday to aid in the unloading and stocking process. Along with his wife, Andi, they prepare the store before the arrival of the other volunteers, managing the inventory and readying carts for restocking. Among the volunteers are individuals from all walks of life, including families, children, and even Wilmore City Council Member David Riel and his wife, Debby Riel.

Feeding the Community

Fitch’s IGA is more than just a store for Wilmore. According to Census data from 2018-2022, Wilmore could be considered a food desert, with 68 percent of the population having low access to healthy foods and 19 percent of low-income individuals barely managing access. For residents without personal conveyance and those in the rural areas of High Bridge, Fitch’s IGA is a primary source of fresh produce and meat.

A Heartfelt Response

The store owner, Fitch, has expressed deep gratitude towards the volunteer efforts. He commends their precision and care in stocking the shelves and has found their weekly prayers post stocking up to be a beautiful gesture. The initiative has truly lightened his heart, and he is proud of the fresh produce and meat departments they support.

Join the Effort

People interested in participating in this weekly community service need only show up at Fitch’s IGA on Tuesdays at 4 p.m. No prior notification is required. Just head through the doors between the meat and deli departments, and you can be a part of this wonderful initiative.

This remarkable story of Wilmore’s community heroism is an inspiring example of the power of unity and shows us the profound impact of simple acts of kindness.