VITAS Healthcare’s $25,000 Donation Supports Calhoun County Food Pantry and Social Service Organization

November 13, 2020

PANAMA CITY, FL — A $25,000 donation by VITAS Healthcare to the Calhoun-Liberty Ministry Center (CLMC) will enable the community food pantry and social service organization to continue meeting the fundamental needs of residents in Calhoun County, Florida.

CLMC is a Christian ministry that operates a food pantry and consignment shop, the proceeds of which fund the distribution of food and food vouchers, clothing, household items, furniture and financial support to residents who face economic hardship. Located in Blountstown, Florida, the center is staffed by four employees and supported by local volunteers.

“VITAS is committed to supporting our community service organizations and the residents who benefit from them, especially those organizations that are facing slowed activity and ongoing financial challenges,” said Kenn Wallace, VITAS general manager in Panama City. “This donation will help fill CLMC’s gap in donations and income so that it can continue to fulfill its mission of hope, support and love for our neighbors in Calhoun County.”

The Rev. Doug Hermanes, CLMC director and a local pastor for more than 30 years, said VITAS' support will allow the center to continue operations as donations and sales of items at its consignment store have dropped since the COVID-19 outbreak in the spring.

“We are so appreciative of VITAS for its goodness and willingness to enable us to provide people with food, clothing, furniture and financial assistance,” Hermanes said. “We never stopped giving away food to people who needed it during the COVID-19 restrictions, but the pandemic has really cut back on our ability to help. Now we’re open again, abiding by all safety precautions and counting on community support even though activity has slowed as fewer people venture out. This donation is very timely for the ministry.”

VITAS, the nation’s leading provider of end-of-life care, opened an office in Panama City in July 2020 to provide hospice care to patients and families in Bay, Calhoun, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson and Washington counties. The grant to CLMC is part of the company’s commitment to work with and financially support established local organizations.