The Man Behind the Apron

by Terri Conlin

Waiting to interview the President of the Board at the Tualatin School House Pantry, I observe a man sitting behind a dilapidated desk wearing a bright red apron and checking in a mom with two young children in tow. He smiles, holding out a shiny package of Batman fruit snacks, and the boy’s face lights up from behind his mother. She needs shoes for her boys. He offers directions to a clothing closet, then pairs her with a volunteer to shop for food. He directs a young man sitting at a nearby computer to locate information online and calls the next customer. This woman needs food for her disabled 87-year-old mother living with her. A mom and daughter from Jesuit arrive for a family work project and begin dividing large bags of sugar. Next he checks a utility bill for established residency and explains to three burly men the food pantry’s code of conduct, “Being a good citizen while you’re here benefits all served.” Two teens arrive to fulfill court appointed community service hours. They sign in and begin sorting bulk bags of beans. A seasoned teenage volunteer asks for barrels to collect food at local grocery stores and seamlessly takes over the intake process. Finally with a slight break in the hustle of activity, I meet Mike Shiffer, founder and Board President, as he emerges from behind the desk. Mondays are his day for hands-on coordinating of the School House Pantry.

He is proud papa to a 100% volunteer organization providing food to hungry families once a month. In February 2009, over 500 families were served, but his customers receive so much more than food. Mike graciously dispenses dignity, mercy, compassion and truth to all who walk through the door. Just as I couldn’t tell the President of the Board from any other volunteer, you won’t discern visitor from volunteer from client by Mike’s interaction with them. He is living Matthew 25:40. Mike and the board have gathered together a diverse network of support from the city of Tualatin, local churches, civic clubs, businesses, schools and individuals to serve the hungry in Washington County.

The basement of Tualatin Elementary School was first home to the Pantry and inspired its name. When city officials condemned the building, the School House Pantry moved into temporary housing on school property. With that lease expiring, the pantry needs a new place to call home. Behind the scenes, Rolling Hills Community Church was one of the many churches supporting the Tualatin School House Pantry with food drives and volunteers. A year ago, Rolling Hills came forward with two blessings: a large shopping spree filling empty shelves, and volunteers extending hours into one evening per week to better serve the community. The partnership has grown with an invitation to move the Pantry to Rolling Hills Community Church. The church has unfinished space in the daylight basement and the Pantry needs a new home. Coming together onsite gives Rolling Hills a thrilling opportunity to serve far beyond its congregation in community with other partners while continuing the sterling legacy of the Tualatin School House Pantry.

I walked away from my visit inspired by the man behind the apron, laughing at the thought that he would introduce me to the president once he arrived! We at Rolling Hills have been learning to reach out and touch the local community with our service and our faith. Now we throw open our doors in warm welcome and invite the community into our home. Open your hearts to Mike Shiffer, the Tualatin School House Pantry board members, volunteers and clients from all denominations and walks of life and a varied family of partners united in one common purpose, to feed the hungry. ©

Please pray for:
Timely approval of building permits
Smooth transition for both volunteers and clients
Logistics of moving day (moving is hard work!)
Warm welcome to all visiting Rolling Hills for the first time
Maintaining diverse family of supporters