A prayer turned lifeline: Second Hope Pantry feeds dozens across Richland, Ashland counties

MANSFIELD — What began as a simple prayer last Christmas has grown into a lifeline for families across Richland and Ashland counties.

Jim and Tiffanie Kitts found themselves last year unexpectedly answering a call they didn’t even know they had asked for.

“Last Christmas my husband Jim prayed about wanting to do something different for Christmas,” Kitts said. “I had no idea he had even prayed that.”

During the same week, Kitts said she stopped at a grocery store to pick up produce for her farm animals. What she discovered changed everything.

The store explained local charities were unable to pick up excess meat, milk, cheese, bread and other food items.

So the Kitts’ did it for them.

The start of Second Hope Pantry

The couple loaded three full trucks of food and spent the week of Christmas 2024 delivering it to families in need. More than 35 families didn’t just receive a meal — their fridges and freezers were completely filled, she said.

Kitts said she took to Facebook and Nextdoor to find families who also needed help. She delivered truckloads of food, often being met with tears, hugs and overwhelming gratitude.

“Families cried in my arms because they didn’t know how they were going to feed their families Christmas dinner,” she said. “That’s when we realized there was such a need in our community.”

The giving didn’t stop.

Kitts said the donations came rolling in, starting with onions and potatoes, then a large supply of ham. Then someone donated a chest freezer — already filled with food.

“That’s when we knew we had to do something” she said.

By late September, Second Hope Pantry officially opened.

The journey wasn’t easy. They worked to secure non-profit status with the state and later received a 501(c)(3) designation.

While she said they haven’t yet had success in securing large grocery store donations, the community has stepped up in powerful ways. Food, clothing and essential items arrive regularly — often in response to stories she shares online about specific families and their needs.

Small space, big impact

The name “Second Hope” came from faith.

“God should be our first hope,” she said. “But we want to be your second hope. We all can use some hope in our lives when we go through a rough season.”

Second Hope Pantry operates out of the Kitts’ home.

“We are praying for someday to have a building to store the items in which we do receive,” she said.

Despite limited space, the impact has already been enormous.

One of the most meaningful moments this year came around Thanksgiving. The pantry delivered full Thanksgiving meals to more than 12 families the week before the holiday. On Thanksgiving Day, they served a hot meal at a senior apartment building.

“That was truly the highlight of their day — getting a hot Thanksgiving turkey dinner,” she said.

Kitts said her favorite part of watching the pantry grow is helping people and getting to know them on a personal level.

The outpouring of community love was not something she said they were expecting, but they have felt truly blessed to have such an amazing community come together and support those in need.

“We truly could not do this without our community behind us,” Kitts said. “As a community (we) can make a difference in our community.”

“It changes you”: Kitts shares the emotional influence

Through it all, Kitts said the work has changed her.

“I prayed for God to humble me, and this pantry definitely has done that,” she said. “There have been times I had to step back, take a breath and tear up.”

She said before this, extreme poverty was something she associated with faraway places.

“But now I see it in our own backyard,” she said, “and it breaks my heart.

“To have someone hug you with tears in their eyes because they don’t know how they’re going to feed their kids from one day to the next — it changes you,” she said. “Seeing families finally able to see light after troubling times.”

Many days, she delivers food not knowing what situation she will walk into — a family without groceries, without clothes for their children or unsure how they will make it through the next day.

“We service urgent and emergency cases first,” she said. “We truly never know what we may come across.”

Second Hope Pantry primarily serves Mansfield and Ashland — and relies entirely on community support.

“We may be small,” she said. “However, Second Hope Pantry has already worked miracles for families.”

Those interested in donating or seeking assistance can message Second Hope Pantry on Facebook, which Kitts said is the best way to keep requests organized. Local businesses can also reach out directly by phone at 315-796-6089.