Lillie Hopkins and Mardel Coats are dedicated to their pantry, their clients, and their mission. At ages 66 an 68, respectively, these two women have the strength, compassion and endurance necessary to operate their large food pantry and hot meal program.

In an average month, Agape SDA, located in University City, Missouri, will provide 130 families with food assistance, and will deliver 830 meals to those in need, mostly homeless individuals and families.

Agape SDA also participates in health fairs. This year was their tenth year doing so.   They provided food, clothing, and health kits to those clients who visited their booth. Lillie and Mardel travel all around looking for extra items which they could provide to their clients, such as socks, shoes, towels, and personal care items. The extensive traveling is due to the attempt to find those items at a price they can afford, since most of the time Lillie and Mardel use their personal funds to finance this endeavor.

Lillie and Mardel also search the streets looking for those in need of a meal. In the past, they have also provided these clients with blankets and pads to sleep on. 

The two directors of Agape SDA do all of these things without publicity, or praise.

Only when asked, do they divulge all of their offerings to clients, which is why it is so important to network with other social service agencies to find out what programs and services are offered in each community.

Both Lillie and Mardel report that their biggest challenge in fulfilling their mission is the lack of funds and volunteers to help serve clients. If Agape SDA could acquire more money and volunteers, they could do even more to help those in need in their community, which should be everyone’s mission.

To find out more about Agape SDA and how you can help, please call 314-862-1506 or 314-862-0038.