LINCOLNTON––As Christmas daily draws ever nearer, Christian Ministry is in need of volunteers.
That’s the word Thursday from executive director Mitzi Williams. Volunteers, said Williams, are the backbone of the ministry’s efforts.
“We are asking for volunteers,” she said. “We have nine staff members who help run Christian Ministry. However, we cannot cover our total ministry without volunteers.”
Williams added that there are several areas wherein volunteers are greatly needed. These include the ministry’s:
- soup kitchen;
- food pantry;
- kitchen;
- and laundry.
If you are interested in volunteering in these areas or in other ministry capacities, Williams encourages you to call Woody Saunders at (704) 488-8824.
Talking of volunteer coverage, there are open dates for the soup kitchen: Dec. 3, 26 and 27; and Jan. 7 and 16. The 2023 calendar is now open and taking dates. If you are interested, call the ministry and ask for Williams.
“We are not accepting furniture and clothes donations at this time,” she added, “except for winter coats, hats, gloves and scarves.”
Plus, Christian Ministry will be closed for Veterans Day, Nov. 11, and again Nov. 24 and 25 in observance of Thanksgiving.
“But the soup kitchen will remain open during the holidays,” said Williams, “thanks to our wonderful volunteers.”
Christmas sign-up ongoing
In other news, the ministry has begun signing up clients for its annual Christmas efforts.
“We are very busy,” said Williams, “and we need your support.”
Now through Dec. 22, the ministry is taking applications for Christmas food and toys. From now until Dec. 9, it is collecting toys, and from now until Dec. 16, it is collecting food. All used and new toys are being accepted. The used toy give-out day is Dec. 3, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., at the ministry’s downtown Lincolnton offices. Nov. 28-Dec. 9, small groups of volunteers are needed to sort school food. And Dec. 23 is the Christmas food and toy distribution, also at the ministry.
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.
Satellite offices
Williams reminded the public of the ministry’s satellite offices.
McKendree United Methodist Church, located at 3537 Maiden Hwy., just outside of Lincolnton, is open on the second Saturday of each month, 10 a.m.-noon, and on the second Thursday, 5-7 p.m. And Hull’s Grove Baptist, at 6670 NC-27 West in Vale, is open monthly on the first Saturday, 9-11 a.m. Clients may sign up for Christmas help at these satellite offices. But the give-out day of Friday, Dec. 23, will be at Christian Ministry only.
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.
