Students at Muhlenberg Job Corps Center got unexpected gifts recently when Hope 2 All, a community food pantry for the Muhlenberg County area, donated 100 sets of high quality, weatherproof coats, pants and work boots to the center. The donation came after MJCC Welding Instructor Marty Wabnitz mentioned to Hope 2 All founder Larry Chandler that MJCC has young adults coming from throughout the southeastern region who often aren’t prepared for western Kentucky’s harsh winter weather.

Wabnitz himself was a recipient of a gift of quality insulated clothing from Hope 2 All after his son’s house burned down and knew firsthand how valuable this clothing was as he and others rebuilt, working for long periods in inclement weather. In thanking Chandler for the gift, Wabnitz mentioned that similar clothing would be ideal for MJCC students.

That set the wheels in motion, and on Jan 7, 2019 Chandler and his staff from Hope 2 All delivered the winter gear. Nick Toomey, Heavy Equipment Cluster Manager, heard one student say it was like Christmas in January.

Hope 2 All opened in 2014, and since then has never experienced a shortage of donated food, thanks to the generosity of the Muhlenberg community. Hope 2 All supplies food to approximately 850 families each month. Half of those people who receive food are 60 years or older, living on $400-$600 a month.

MJCC Business Community Liaison Brian Hancock said, “MJCC really enjoys doing things for the community but it also feels great when the community gives back.” Thanks to the generosity of Hope 2 All, MJCC students are prepared to continue their job training, no matter what the weather is like.

Austin Lewis, Joshua Parnell, Brenden Doll, Jazz Browning, Javawn calhoun