“I like helping people.” That is what Jim Bruner, of Corbin, said recently when asked about his ongoing work of distributing supplies at the Dorthae Pentecostal Church food pantry.
“I’m over the dock,” Bruner explained. “I make sure that everyone gets an equal amount.”
Bruner is 87-year-old, but his energy and enthusiasm for lending a helping hand has not wavered after all that time.
Bruner and his wife, Nancy, are actually members of Faithway Pentecostal Church in Lily. He has several friends who attend services at Dorthae, though, and he said that they recruited him to work at the church’s food pantry after finding out that he had a lot of passion and prior experience.
The pantry at Dorthae distributes food to people in the local community on a weekly basis throughout the year. Recently, Bruner and the rest of the team gave out 200 turkeys for Thanksgiving.
Bruner said he has seen an increase in the amount of people visiting the pantry, and other pantries in the local area. He said that, while it can be difficult, the goal is always to ensure that each visitor leaves with an equal amount of food.
“We only give what is allowed,” Bruner explained, adding that the most important thing is always to make sure to help as many people as possible.
When asked what drives him to continue doing this work, Bruner said, “It’s a joyful thing. I like to give. I told God that if He would help me, I will do the best that I can to help people. That has never changed. I may have gotten older, but I still have that love for people.”
Bruner is a native of the Corbin area, but he worked and raised a family in Indiana for many years before moving back home in the early eighties. In addition to his work at the food pantry, he also takes opportunities to help out around the Corbin Senior Citizen Center when he is able.
“Anything that needs done, I always pray about it,” Bruner said. “I enjoy my life, and will keep on helping until I take my last breath.”
Editor’s note: If you are looking for a meaningful way to make a difference this holiday season, or at any other time throughout the year, consider donating time or resources to a local food pantry. Many churches throughout the area operate food pantries, and are in need of not only food items, but also monetary donations and volunteers who are willing to lend a hand. If interested, we encourage you to reach out to a local church today to find out ways that you might be able to help.
