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With area need high, Outpour Project grows

Submitted Photo A large crowd turned out for a recent food distribution event in Dunkirk.

Outpour Ministries held a community outreach project at Wright Park in Dunkirk last month where they were able to give area residents in need free food and groceries as part of their efforts to support the community. An hour in, Pastor Erika Lopez said they had run out of food to give to people.

“We figured out there are a lot of hungry people in Dunkirk,” she said. “We gave out two pallets of food and 150 hot dogs. Many people told us they have no food. Groceries are at the point where people can’t keep up with meals. We’re committed to outreach in Dunkirk and calls are coming in with people wanting us to bring them food.”

Outpour Ministries has done their part serving Dunkirk and surrounding communities, but their definition of surrounding communities has recently increased. Earlier this month, Outpour Ministries partnered with the Revival Fire Network out of Cornerstone Church in Batavia, and the Outpour Project has expanded their horizons to help out all of Western New York.

“We have a lot more helpers and volunteers that have come alongside a full team,” Lopez said. “Our goal now is to do outreach in all of Western New York.”

Lopez said that Outpour Ministries were among the first responders to the Tops Market in Buffalo that was the victim of the racially motivated mass shooting, and they continue to do work there every Thursday, offering food donations and counseling for people who need it. On Wednesday, Lopez said they will have an event in Olean, meaning their impact is now being felt well out of Dunkirk.

“It’s important for us to pray for people and spread love,” she said. “Our goal is to continue to get out there and love on the people and let them know not to be afraid.”

Lopez and her husband, Pastor Rafael Lopez, began Outpour Ministries in 2019 in Fredonia originally, and have assisted the community with food donations, help with addiction, food drives, life skills and coaching, and much more. Now, they look forward to expanding their horizons beyond Dunkirk, and will make a different across all of Western New York.

Lopez said they’re always accepting donations through their Venmo or Paypal, both can be found at outpourproject@gmail, while their CashApp is $outpourproject. Lopez added they can be contacted to pick up donations or food, if need be, at 716-237-0214.

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