Christian Social Services Relies on 'Willing Hearts'

If you pull into the parking lot of Christian Social Services at the right time, Jacquie Petet just might put you to work.

I got out of my car to meet the organization’s executive director for the first time recently, and she immediately handed me a frozen turkey from her trunk.

Target had a sale, she said. With a coupon, the turkeys were practically free.

That’s a good thing.

Those turkeys, along with a storage room full of nonperishable foods and breads that are donated weekly, will be given to anyone in the community with “an expressed need,” Petet said.

There is no income verification requirement, but anyone receiving assistance must live in Central Pasco or the Lutz section of Hillsborough County.

The bags include nonperishable foods, breads, and sometimes meat, when it is available, Petet said.

The turkey sale meant there would be meat that week.

In addition to providing free food to those in need, Christian Social Services also runs a thrift shop — an extremely labor-intensive undertaking in itself, Petet  said.  And when you step into the shop, it’s obvious how much care has gone into its upkeep.

Christmas music plays softly in the background. The shelves are neatly organized. There’s a feel of an old country store, just waiting to be perused.

Petet has been the executive director for nearly 18 years, she said. This quaint red building —which has a storied history dating back to its days as a motel— has been home base for the organization for 14 of those years.

The organization was founded in 1985 by a group of pastors and lay people from Lutz and Land O’ Lakes who wanted to provide food and clothing for disadvantaged community members, according to its brochure. 

Their vision was realized when the organization opened its doors to the community in 1987.

The organization’s board of directors is now made up of representatives from 12 member churches, Petet said.

“But we are supported by many additional churches in our area,” Petet said.

Petet said the organization’s major source of nonperishable food is the U.S. Postal Service’s food drive, which takes place each year in May.

The Land O’ Lakes Post Office “really puts a lot of effort into that, and we are so appreciative,” Petet said.

Like many nonprofit organizations, Christian Social Services saw an increase in demand for its services when the economy began to unravel in late 2007, but it has recently leveled off “to our normal busy, chaotic level,” Petet  said.

With only three full-time staff members and two part-time, it’s not a large-scale operation.  And, like many organizations, its budget has been forced to decrease significantly during the past three years.

“But we are so blessed. We just tighten our belts and get by,” Petet said.

Despite a shrinking budget, Christian Social Services gives out between two and four tons of food of food to people in need every month.

“God provides. No matter what we need, it seems like we get it."

That much food requires a lot of moving around— it’s brought in, organized, bagged and goes back out — which means a lot of people power is required to keep things running smoothly.

The thrift shop also requires a lot of labor, from unpacking to sorting, organizing and stocking shelves. Everybody pitches in where they’re needed, Petet said.

“We rely heavily on volunteers,” Carole Sheppard said.

Sheppard has been a volunteer for about 18 years herself. In fact, it was Jacquie who brought her in to help out, soon after she took the director position.

She’s grateful for that.

“This has just become a part of my life. It just defines me as a person,” Sheppard said.

Volunteers are sometimes hard to come by, Petet said. But they are vital to the organization’s success. 

The only requirement to volunteer is a “willing heart,” Petet said.  “And good backs are helpful, but not essential,” she laughed. 

Christian Social Services is located at 5514 Land O' Lakes Blvd. To volunteer, or to make a donation, call 813-995-0088.