Bread of Life Community Services

Who We Are

About Bread of Life Community Services

Bread of Life Community Services (BOLCS) is a nonprofit organization in Commerce, Texas, serving primarily Hunt County through programs that meet practical needs, build character, and strengthen our community.

Through the Bread of Life Food Pantry, Commerce Judo, and the service of dedicated volunteers, BOLCS seeks to demonstrate Christ’s love in practical ways while helping individuals and families grow stronger.

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Our Story

The story of Bread of Life Community Services began with a food pantry.

The pantry was originally operated by another local church under a different name. When that church closed, Bread of Life Church stepped in rather than allow the food pantry—and the help it provided to the community—to disappear. The pantry was renamed the Bread of Life Food Pantry, and Bread of Life Church began operating it in 2013.

What began by serving approximately 50 families has grown to serve around 290 families each month. As the number of families seeking assistance grew, so did the vision for how Bread of Life could serve the community.

After becoming director of the food pantry, LesLee Lay recognized that operating solely under the church made obtaining regular grants and corporate sponsorships difficult. There was also an opportunity to create an organization that could respond to other community needs as they arose.

Bread of Life Community Services was created from that vision.

BOLCS became an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization recognized by the Internal Revenue Service effective June 21, 2019. Its purpose extended beyond operating a food pantry: BOLCS would provide a foundation through which additional community outreach programs could develop as needs were identified.

Compassionate volunteers helping distribute food and support members of the community

Our Mission & Vision

Our Mission

To demonstrate Christ’s love by meeting practical needs, building character, and strengthening people and families in our community.

Our Vision

A community where people in need are cared for, lives are strengthened through character and service, and neighbors are empowered to help one another.

Our mission and vision shape everything BOLCS does. Some needs are immediate and practical. Others involve character, confidence, relationships, and personal growth. BOLCS exists to serve people in both.

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How We Serve

Empowering our community through targeted support and compassionate action.

Bread of Life Food Pantry
The Bread of Life Food Pantry helps individuals and families experiencing food insecurity by providing access to fresh, healthy food and other food assistance.

What began as an effort to keep a local food pantry from closing has grown into a significant community resource serving Commerce and the surrounding Hunt County area.
Learn more about the Bread of Life Food Pantry

Commerce Judo
Commerce Judo began in January 2020 from a desire to provide children and young adults in the community with mentoring and meaningful Christian relationships.

Drawing on decades of experience in Judo, Pastor David recognized that Judo could provide much more than physical training. Through Judo, students can develop character, attitude, self-respect, respect for others, values, morals, confidence, and physical fitness.

Commerce Judo continues that work with youth and adults today, helping students grow both on and off the mat.
Learn more about Commerce Judo

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Powered by Volunteers

Bread of Life Community Services is powered by volunteers.

The food we distribute, the programs we operate, the events we hold, and much of the work that happens behind the scenes are possible because people choose to give their time and abilities in service to others.

Some volunteers work directly with families. Others unload trucks, sort food, support distributions, help with events, maintain facilities, or serve through BOLCS programs.

There is a place for many different abilities and levels of involvement.

Compassionate volunteers smiling and working together in a bright community gathering setting Join Our Team
OUR FOUNDATION

Rooted in Faith

Bread of Life Community Services operates from the Bread of Life Church of the Nazarene facility in Commerce, Texas, while BOLCS itself is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

Our Christian faith shapes our commitment to compassionate service and our belief in the dignity and value of every person. We seek to demonstrate Christ’s love not only through what we say, but through how we serve our neighbors.

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Our Impact - 2026 YTD

Every statistic represents a local story of hope, community support, and lives nourished through shared grace.

Compassionate volunteers helping distribute food and supportive resources to community members

634 Household Visits 210,600 Pounds of Food Distributed 2,000 Volunteer Hours

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Growing to Meet the Need

Throughout its history, BOLCS and the Bread of Life Food Pantry have continued to grow in their ability to serve the community.

Significant milestones include:
September 2018 — Excellence in Innovation Award, North Texas Food Bank
November 2019 — Walk-in freezer added through the generosity of community sponsors
January 2020 — Loading dock added through the generosity of community sponsors
January 2020 — Commerce Judo begins
June 2020 — Award of Excellence, North Texas Food Bank
February 2024 — Distinguished Community Service of the Year, Commerce Chamber of Commerce

Each improvement represents more than organizational growth. It represents increased capacity to serve people in our community.

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Serving Hunt County and Beyond

BOLCS is located in Commerce, Texas, and Hunt County is the primary area we serve. Our doors, however, are not limited by county lines.

Individuals and families who need food assistance are welcome to seek help through the Bread of Life Food Pantry regardless of where they live. Likewise, Commerce Judo welcomes youth and adults from any community who want to learn, grow, and participate.

Our work is made possible through volunteers, donors, community partners, churches, businesses, and organizations that believe stronger communities are built when neighbors care for one another.

Whether you need assistance, want to serve, or would like to support the work financially, there is a place for you at Bread of Life Community Services.

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Our Organization

Bread of Life Community Services is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization recognized by the Internal Revenue Service effective June 21, 2019. BOLCS is located in Commerce, Texas, and is supported by volunteers, donors, churches, businesses, and community partners who make our work possible.
EIN: 83-3267110

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