Reverend James Crawford takes his ministerial work at the Progressive Missionary Baptist Church very seriously. His calling to minister to the Hearne community has led him to many mentoring roles. Crawford is a long term member of the Hearne School Board, an active member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the first person to call when a volunteer is needed for a community event. One project that Reverend Crawford is most proud of is the monthly food pantry and bi monthly produce giveaways that his congregation organizes and provides to the community. The church’s large operation began almost two decades ago with a few volunteers and donations from the Hearne community. Over the years the food distribution has grown considerably and helps close to seventy families every month with food and sundries and close to 120 families twice a month with fresh fruits and vegetables. Many of the volunteers that operate the food pantry are members of Reverend Crawford’s congregation, but several others come from other churches around Hearne to lend a hand. Anyone can come and lend a hand, and the environment at the food pantry is convivial. Willie Tovar has been volunteering for many years and loves joking and telling stories while helping his community. Crawford is happy that the pantry has been partnering with the Brazos Valley Food Bank because it opens the doors to helping even more people and families in need. Through their partnership, the food donations that the church receives from the community are added to food distributed through the BVFB which allows the pantry to help a lot more families than if they had to do it alone. The pantry has gotten some upgrades over the years thanks to support from BVFB including a walk-in cooler to help store more cold foods like eggs and milk. The pantry is also excited to continue its partnership with KBTX and their annual Food for Families drive that happens every winter. Reverend Crawford enjoys the good natured rivalry that happens every year with the Franklin Food Pantry to see who will get the most food and money donations for the annual giving event. The Progressive Missionary Baptist Church Food Pantry is always happy to take donations of food, time, money or sanitary items. Items most in need are diapers for babies as well as adults, toilet paper and feminine hygiene products. These items are always in short supply at food pantries around the country and they are also all items that are not purchasable with SNAP benefits. James Crawford’s biggest request is that people get the word out that help is available for those in need. If you, or someone you know, is in need of some food assistance, the pantry is open on the second and fourth Thursdays of every month from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm to receive produce and on the second Wednesday every month from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm for the regular food pantry distribution. Reverend Crawford wants the community to know that he and his congregation are happy to serve the people of Hearne and they are welcome in his church anytime.