DOTHAN, Ala. (WDNews) — Love In Action is expanding its outreach efforts with the addition of a 26-foot box truck, a major step in strengthening the ministry’s growing food distribution program.
The announcement follows the organization’s 25th Anniversary fundraising banquet on Sept. 30, where executive director Ken Tuck shared his vision for the next phase of growth. A larger truck, he said, would be essential to increasing capacity and serving more families across the Wiregrass.
That vision became a reality last week when Jeff and Johnna Duke donated a 2018 26-foot International box truck to the ministry. The couple raised a significant portion of the cost by hosting a large yard sale before working with Love In Action to locate the right vehicle.
The truck features a 6.7L Cummins engine, an Allison transmission, and has only 191,000 miles — considered low mileage for a diesel engine. It comes equipped with six new tires, recently passed a DOT inspection, and was serviced just 100 miles before purchase. Love In Action also thanked Riverside Auto Sales in Montgomery for offering the vehicle at a sharply reduced price after learning how the ministry planned to use it.
The truck will help bolster the nonprofit’s efforts at a time when demand for food assistance is surging.
Love In Action reports up to a 35% increase in individuals and families seeking groceries following the halt of SNAP benefits earlier this year. Thanks to support from local churches, businesses, and residents, the food pantry has remained stocked, allowing the ministry to continue meeting needs without turning anyone away.
“Thank you so much,” one recipient told staff after receiving groceries for himself and his wife. “We were in need of hamburger meat. I made spaghetti with the noodles and sauce y’all gave us, and then I looked and there was hamburger meat, too.”
The ministry anticipates an even busier week ahead and is continuing to request community support. Donations of nonperishable food items, financial contributions, and frozen meats are encouraged.
Love In Action leaders say the new truck will allow them to transport larger quantities of food more efficiently and reach more families facing hardship across Dothan and the Wiregrass.
Photos courtesy of Love in Action
