MADISON – A local church home is reaching out to help individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Located at 183 Shelton Road, Madison Mission Seventh-day Adventist or SDA Church will host a distribution time for free food on February 28 at 1 p.m. To adhere to guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control, the congregation members have planned the distribution entirely as a drive-through pickup.

Visitors will remain in their vehicles, as a guarantee for health and safety. Church members encourage residents to tell friends and neighbors about this food option.

Guided by Dr. James Doggette Sr., Madison Mission held its first service at Asbury United Methodist Church in Madison in May 1995. At first, Madison Mission was a nomad church that met at different venues from week to week. A building committee secured 17 acres of property in Madison in 1998.

On Feb. 23, 2000, the Madison Mission Family Life Center officially opened with 14,000 square feet. Madison Mission now continues its legacy of service. The church is embarking on a major building project that will include the completion of a new worship facility with 40,000-plus square feet, complete with a new sanctuary, expanded children’s ministry facilities and renovation of the existing family life center.

For more information about the church, call 256-464-9488 or visit madisonmissionsda.org.

In other activity in proximity of Madison Mission, volunteers have set up the Shelton Road Little Free Pantry. The little pantry is open 24 hours daily, seven days weekly.

Neighbors in the Shelton Road vicinity can take the items that they need from the pantry. Eventually, everyone hopefully can donate food or supplies — any time of day. Volunteers will monitor the pantry to confirm that the space is sanitized frequently and to let the community know when a restock is needed.

The pantry will contain any type of food that is non-perishable. People can donate canned and boxed foods, canned baby food, personal hygiene items, school supplies or paper products, like paper towels and toilet paper.

The Nextdoor platform in social media serves as the communication point for pantry users. In addition, residents can email SheltonRoadLFP@gmail.com.