Pastor: Eighth break-in to food pantry

PENSACOLA, Fla. (WALA) - Leaders of the Holy Cross Metropolitan Community Church in Pensacola said despite their best efforts to protect the church's food pantry and administrative building, burglars have struck for the eighth time in months.

“It gets very frustrating after you get a call again that says, 'Guess what? The church was broken into’ or the alarm company is calling,” said Pastor Rick Sosbe.

Sosbe said the church must now suspend its Wednesday ministry dedicated to feeding the homeless after crooks broke into the food pantry Sunday night and took fresh meat, toiletries, and their building’s AC unit.

Church leaders said its unfortunate for those who need the supplies.

“If they came and asked me for it, I would give it to them,” said Pantry Supervisor Wade Mclemore. “I do it every week. If I'm not even planning on giving it away and they say hey you got such and such I'll give it to them. I always will.”

Pastor Sosbe said each time the building is hit, officials at the church add new security features.

Church leaders said the building, which sits behind the main church, was already boarded up to keep burglars out. They say the building is also fully equipped with a security system .

Sunday night, Sosbe said burglars spent time taking down the window boards, removing the air conditioner, and rummaging through the pantry before police arrived.

Church officials say their loss was upwards of $500, and into the thousands when you factor in the previous seven burglaries.

“Month after month, we've had to make a call out to the people in the church saying we need you to help us pay for the window that got broken into again,” said Mclemore. “You can only do that so many times where it's embarrassing. You feel like your not being a good steward.”

Church leaders are hoping to restart the program once they have a new plan in place. This Wednesday will be their last food ministry from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the church.

“We are doing our best to help those who are in need but it comes to a point where you have to say you know - enough is enough,” said Sosbe.

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