Local families in national media

SPANISH FORT, Ala. - Each Tuesday dozens of families turn to the Prodisee Pantry for help. Deann Servos, Executive Director of the Prodisee Pantry said, "We're here to give people groceries but we try to give hope also. We give them a little encouragement because we know times are tough. It's a cold world right now." Daniel Wheelus added, "If they can't help, they'll find somebody who can."

Times were tough for Wheelus, his wife and three kids. He lost his job and fell behind on payments. The family eventually lost its home. The faith based organization helped them get back on their feet.

Wheelus shared his story in Family Circle Magazine. He said, "I imagine a lot of people can relate to it. Jobs are not as plentiful as they used to be. I used to go down there every Tuesday before I got a job and there's new faces coming in every week. It's gradually gotten more and more."

The group is serving 600 families now as opposed to 200 last year. A Robertsdale family was another example of ordinary folks looking for jobs and struggling to make ends meet. Their story was featured in the Wall Street Journal.

"We're just so excited because it's unusual for a small community program of ours to get national coverage. I think God is working to let people across the country know that their communities care about them. It's really exciting to know we're that example here in Baldwin County," said Servos.

Wheelus said he wanted to share his success story, to give a message of hope. "Help others when you get a chance because you never know when you will be in that situation," he added.

Wheelus is now a volunteer at the Prodisee Pantry. The article in the Wall Street Journal is on stands Tuesday. The Family Circle magazine will be on the shelves in May.