PORTSMOUTH — The St. John’s Lodge Food Bank in Portsmouth has received a $20,000 donation from OceanPointe Christian Church in Middletown as part of the church’s Christmas generosity initiative called “The Big Give.”

“This generous contribution will help us purchase, store and distribute much-needed groceries and other products for our neighbors in need in Portsmouth and surrounding communities,” said Mary Anne Crittenden, president of the food bank.

“We cannot fully express our gratitude to the members of OceanPointe Church for their kindness,” she said. “Their help is especially important at this time of year, when need often increases and our resources can’t always keep up with demand.”

Brady Gerdts of OceanPointe Christian Church said of the initiative, “OceanPointe is committed to leading the way with irrational generosity and in a short three days, our church community gave over $51,000 to The Big Give. These funds are being distributed to three separate entities to make an impact in our community, and we’re so proud to partner with the volunteers at the St. John’s Lodge Food Bank, who are doing an incredible job serving our community.”

Established in 2020 at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, The St. John’s Lodge Food Bank is located at 81 Sprague St. and is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays. It is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.