LINCOLNTON––Christian Ministry is struggling.
That’s the word Thursday from executive director Mitzi Williams.
“It is safe to say that I have never seen the ministry struggle to keep food on the dock, as we are now,” said Williams, “and I have never seen clients with such huge financial burdens. Why are there problems with food? Fewer donations and a loss of access to purchasing in bulk. Why are there large financial burdens? The sudden increase in the cost of rent and utilities.
“While we are working hard to provide this help, our Christmas give-out is only two months away,” she continued. “We are aiming for 500 wheelbarrows of food and toys for 500 children. We have already started giving out angels for angel trees to be able to get toy donations. We are also asking churches to take up a special donation of food.”
What can you do to help parents give to their children this Christmas? Williams encourages you to collect toys and food.
“Get your church, business or civic group to collect,” she said.
And what can you do to help families in need throughout 2023? You can donate financially to the ministry’s annual fundraiser, as Williams informed.
“The fundraiser helps us at Christmas and then helps us into the next year,” she said, citing last year’s total of more than $140,000 in donations. “I would love to see this again! Donations may also be in honor or memory of someone. We will mail a card to them on your behalf or give it to you to give to them.”
Williams also cited the following dates and details:
- Through Dec. 16, the ministry is collecting food.
- Until Dec. 9, it is collecting toys.
- Nov. 22-Dec. 22, applications will be taken for Christmas food and toys.
- Nov. 28-Dec. 9, small groups of volunteers are needed to sort school food.
- And Dec. 23 brings the ministry’s annual Christmas food and toy distribution.
Got donations? Drop them off at the ministry’s downtown Lincolnton offices at 207 S. Poplar St., Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
And speaking of such contributions, donations to help defray the costs of ministry efforts are always welcome. Send your e-mails to [email protected] if your donation is in honor or memory of someone, along with the name/address of who to notify.
You may also mail your donations to:
Christian Ministry of Lincoln County
P.O. Box 423
Lincolnton, N.C. 28093.
Want to volunteer? If you or your church or civic group are interested in the ministry’s volunteer projects, call Woody Saunders at (704) 488-8824.
Located at 207 S. Poplar St. in Lincolnton, Christian Ministry of Lincoln County is open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Call (704) 732-0383 to learn more.
