The Food Pantry is a ministry of Zion Lutheran Church, maintained by this congregation, to serve needy individuals and families of the Indiana County area.  Zion receives no government funding for this ministry, but donations from individuals and groups are gratefully accepted. 

On the second and fourth Mondays of each month, the pantry is open from 9:00 until 11:00 a.m.  Clients may receive three grocery bags of food from the pantry once a month.  Further eligibility information may be obtained at a time when the pantry is open. 

You can help Zion’s food pantry ministry in a number of ways:

• Pray for us and this ministry
• Donate canned goods, cereal, pasta & sauce, tuna, rice, personal care items, cleaning products, etc.
• Donate money for the purchase of food
• Organize projects to collect and donate non-perishable items for the project through your school, club, scout troop, etc.
• Volunteer to help pack groceries and/or stock shelves
• Volunteer to help clients carry groceries as needed
• Volunteer to help with special distributions at Thanksgiving and Christmas

To volunteer or to receive further information about how to help, please contact Zion Lutheran Church.

Contributions may be made by check or money order payable to Zion Lutheran Church.  Please write “Food Pantry” on the memo line, and mail or deliver to Zion at 100 South 6th Street, Indiana, PA  15701

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Katie's Closet

“And the crowds asked [John the Baptist], ‘What then should we do?’  In reply he said to them, ‘Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none; and whoever has food must do likewise.’”  Luke 3:1-11

What is Katie’s Closet and who is Katie?

Katie’s full name was Katherine von Bora, and she was the wife of Martin Luther.  She was well known for her hospitality, and her generous work with those in the community who were in need.

Katie’s Closet is a community outreach ministry of Zion Lutheran Church, and is an outlet for those who wish to share their abundance with others who are in need.  Clothing is distributed free of charge, and is intended for personal use rather than for resale.

Hours of operation are 9:00 – 11:00 am and 5:00 – 7:00 pm each Monday, except for major holidays.

What can I donate?

• Items that are clean and in good condition may be donated.
• All types of clothing are accepted, including shoes and belts.
• Clothing for all sizes and age groups are accepted.
• Infant & children’s clothing and shoes, especially winter coats, are always needed.
• Adult sizes extra large and up are particularly needed.
• Men’s underwear and socks are always needed.
• Bed linens, blankets, towels (bath, hand & dish) and wash cloths are accepted.

 We are NOT able to accept household items such as appliances or furniture!

Where and when can I deliver items?

Donations may be delivered to Zion Lutheran Church at the corner of South Sixth and Church Streets, using the glass entrance door on the Church Street side of the building.
Donations are accepted Monday through Friday between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm.

Please come to the church office if you need assistance carrying your donation, and help will be provided as available.  If you are unable to come during regular hours, please call the office to make other arrangements.  Donation forms are available for tax purposes.

How does Katie’s Closet operate?

Katie’s Closet is strictly a volunteer operation.  The clothing is sorted and seasonal items are put out for selection each week.  Off-season items are placed in storage.  As new items arrive, they are sorted and added to the selections. 

Items not selected after a period of time may be removed and forwarded to other used clothing operations in the greater Indiana County area.  We also forward some items to agencies in need of particular clothing for their clients: Alice Paul House and Attire to Aspire, for example.  In addition, we work to keep any unusable textiles from going to the land fill by sending them to an agency that will shred them for other uses.

How can I help?

There are a number of things you can do such as:

• Pray for us and this ministry.
• Make a donation of items listed above.
• Volunteer to sort, store and display inventory.
• Volunteer to assist clients in finding appropriate items, bagging, or carrying selections.
• Volunteer to help with inventory “clean-up” after closing time.

Volunteer to help with seasonal change-over of inventory.