ARNOLD, Mo. — Hope Community Church in Arnold has only been open for six months, but has made a big impact over the past few days providing food and supplies to those affected by Friday’s severe weather.

Members quickly came together to organize storm relief efforts for the community. Since then, donations have been pouring in from area residents in Arnold, Fenton and Hillsboro.

“Honestly, it’s been a really incredible thing,” said Kelly McGuire, lead pastor at Hope Community Church.

She and her husband Michael began Hope Community Church in September. It’s an expansion of Apostolic Pentecostal Church in south St. Louis County.

Those who are in need can come to Hope Community Church, at 1870 Old Lemay Ferry Road, for a hot meal, nonperishable goods, blankets, toiletries and more, as the storm relief event will continue until donations run out. 

“It is here to support all of the people in the Arnold and surrounding areas that are affected by the storm. And hopefully get them and their children the things that they need to stay warm through this tragic event,” said Sheena Crader, church member and event organizer.

The church is seeking donations of baby items, such as diapers of all sizes), wipes and formula.

Sam’s donated one thousand hot dogs to the cause, which helped the church serve more than 300 hamburgers and hot dogs to community members and first responders on Sunday.

Members also have been going door-to-door delivering food to neighbors and meals to Ameren crews, first responders and other essential workers.

“It’s been great to see how the community can come together. It’s really eye-opening,” church member Sarah Dennis said.

The church additionally is looking for delivery drivers to bring supplies to those in need.

While relief efforts are taking place at the church they started, the McGuires are in need of some support themselves.

“We live in a neighborhood just behind the church and it got severely affected by the tornado. In fact, we can’t even live in our house for the next two months,” Kelly McGuire said.

On Monday, the church received a truckload of donations thanks to New Life St. Louis in partnership with the nonprofit, Keep Pushing Inc.

The donations were left over from a previous event. With some volunteers, church member and nonprofit founder, Shana Jones, drove the rest of the donations to Arnold.

For those who want to help, but cannot travel to deliver supplies is why Jones set forth on Keep Pushing Inc., and partnered with area churches.

“That’s why we travel everywhere we need to go to make sure we are helping those people,” she said.

For updates on Hope Community Church’s storm relief efforts, follow on Facebook and Instagram.