Loudoun Interfaith Relief, the largest food pantry within the county, will hold an open house next Wednesday in conjunction with their 20^th anniversary, which will take place in October.

Tours of the facility will be provided as well as the chance to meet staff and board members that continue to serve those in need.

“I think it's a good opportunity for people to be able to see the facility and the process of how we serve the clients that come to see us,” said Board President Tina Johnson. “A lot of times people in the community don't get to see who's really behind the scenes. And our staff and volunteers are there everyday.”

Executive Director Bonnie Inman said a number of events will be held throughout the year to celebrate the many achievement that Loudoun Interfaith has accomplished since it first opened its doors in 1991.

Each month, Inman said that Loudoun Interfaith services about 5,000 people.

This past year alone, almost 700,000 meals were prepared. About 66,800 individuals were served directly, which was a 43 percent increase in service from the previous year.

“It's just incredible that our founding fathers had the foresight to create an organization that could have so much longevity and of course so much need,” Inman said. “It really makes me proud as an employee and I would think for our community to know that we have an organization that has such deep and wonderful roots and support.”

Johnson said she thinks its amazing that Loudoun Interfaith has been able to continue the services needed in the community.

“The demand gets higher every year,” Johnson said. “At the same time it's a double edged sword because its a shame that 20 years later that the demand continues to grow.”

The good news, Johnson said, is that within the 20 years of serving the local community there has not been one time that Loudoun Interfaith has ever had to turn anyone away.

That's a huge goal of Loudoun Interfaith, Johnson said, including her own, which is to increase services to the school aged children that are serve.

“The way we give our food is unique. It allows for families to receive food for three days. And you can come twice a month to receive that service,” Inman said, who added that one of their goals for the upcoming year is to give food out more frequently. “We know we just sort of touch the surface in terms of helping people but I think we'd like to be able to do something a little deeper than that.”

“The need continues to grow and unfortunately all non-profits in the region are hurting,” Johnson said. “But this is a basic need that we are trying to meet for the families here in Loudoun County.”

The open house will be held next Wednesday from 5 to 7 p.m. at 750 Miller Drive, Suite A-1, in Leesburg. Donations such as juice, canned fruit and/or canned meat would be appreciated. Reservations can be requested by calling 703-777-5911. Visit www.interfaithrelief.org.