Heart2Heart Outreach Ministries is a volunteer based, non-profit, non-denominational Christian organization that helps feed Fair Grove’s children and families. Heart2Heart began in 2008 when Doug and Lynne Gustafson felt God calling them to help feed hungry children. The money they raise from their Heart2Heart events help fund programs such as the weekend Backpack Program or Christmas food baskets. Families with children in Kindergarten through fourth grade receiving free lunches will be eligible to receive food assistance through the backpack program, which provides meals such as breakfast, lunch, and dinner over the weekend.

    Some volunteers shop for the food for the backpack program, while others may distribute and sort the food each week. “My favorite part about Heart2Heart is helping to keep the children from going hungry so that they can do well in school and in their lives after graduation,” comments Chari Burrell, volunteer and secretary of Heart2Heart. Each Friday afternoon the food is distributed at the Fair Grove Methodist Church.

    Recently they held their annual dodgeball tournament where they had eight teams of middle school students, composed of 48 players, with six on each team. The $700 that was raised from the tournament will go toward funding for the Backpack Program. Heart2Heart has also been collecting food for the middle/high school Emergency Food Program to give to the nurse for students when they are in need. They have also helped with building Joey’s House and assist with other projects when the funds are available. On December 5th, peopled traveled to Hilltop to enjoy breakfast with Santa from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. They raised $1200 that will be used to provide Christmas food baskets for at least 20 families in Fair Grove. Heart2Heart is completely donation funded and is always accepting of items that can help benefit families in the community. They greatly appreciate all of the volunteers that help out and the donations they receive. “Thank you Fair Grove for making us proud.” Tim Smith, mayor of Fair Grove, told those who participated in helping out Heart2Heart.