cam connection - unioncrisis.org

Union County Crisis Assistance Ministry
CAM CONNECTION
VOLUME 15
DECEMBER 2012
Union County Crisis Assistance Ministry (CAM) provides emergency assistance with housing and utilities to neighbors
in need who do not qualify for public assistance. In the month of November, the generosity of our supporters
enabled us to assist 98 clients. We provided housing payments for 38 clients, utility payments for 28
clients as well as transportation assistance and food to other clients in need. Our staff also made 441 referrals connecting our clients to other resources.
This assistance was made possible by the generosity of individuals, churches, businesses, schools and organizations in our community.
Wrcm New life 91.9 food pantry donation
The staff at WRCM New Life 91.9 Radio Station recently swooped
in with two van loads full of items for our food pantry. This was a
project their staff members pulled together, and they purchased all
the items internally as one of their community service events.
They not only delivered the items, but they also took time out of
their busy schedules to help one of our loyal volunteers, Toni
Vanderlinde, stock the shelves in record time. We have not seen that
much food on our shelves in a very long time.
This was an amazing donation, which will help feed so many
families, especially during the holiday season, and their efforts are
sincerely appreciated.
It was a treat getting to meet and work with the staff at WRCM.
Their radio station touches the hearts and lives of so
many people in the listening area, and we were all blessed by
their presence as well as their donation.
Other food pantry donations in november
The Renn's Nest Teen Board organizes and participates in community service projects in Union County. They held their
annual food drive for CAM and made their delivery on the Saturday before Thanksgiving. Several members of the Teen
Board helped to stock the shelves and made it so much easier for our food pantry volunteers to prepare bags.
Dr. Gregory Thomas from Drs. Thomas, House & Associates dropped off approximately 250 pounds of food pantry items in November, compliments of a special food
drive held by their office where every patient received notification of the opportunity
to bring in items and have their name placed in a fish bowl for a special drawing. His
wife, Dr. Audrey House, did a fantastic job in putting this drive together, and it was a
huge success for them and for us. Would your business or civic club or school be
willing to hold a similar drive? The payout is enormous when it comes to feeding
hungry families in our community.
Dr. Corrine Weaver of Upper Cervical Health Centers of Indian Trail dropped off Thanksgiving meals collected in a
food drive in their office for CAM clients. She also provided a check for the purchase of turkeys to be included with the
meals. Their staff is very creative in finding ways to raise awareness of and provide for those in need in
the local community, and we are so grateful for their generosity in providing food for our clients so they
could have a special Thanksgiving holiday with their families .
Affordable Cuts Hair Salon dropped off a huge box of donated items for our pantry from their annual
drive. We appreciate their efforts in helping to feed families that are unable to meet their needs.
There were other individuals and churches who also made wonderful donations. Thanks so very much!
Union County Crisis Assistance Ministry
CAM CONNECTION
VOLUME 15
DECEMBER 2012
Ways you can help during our
busiest season of the year
The need is ever increasing for families struggling to meet their
basic necessities of rent, mortgage or utility payments to keep
them safely in their homes. Our goal at CAM is to help as many
of these struggling families as possible, but the needs are greater
than we can meet.
As you think about your holiday shopping for family and
friends, would you please consider giving whatever amount you
can spare to help these families? We have listed a few ways that
will make your gift giving much easier:
Christmas
Wish List
CAM has some very generous and caring
donors who will be providing Christmas Wish
List items for some of our clients’ families
through our Christmas Adopt-A-Family
Program. We really appreciate their efforts.
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Gift cards for gas will help someone drive to work another
day; food gift cards will help feed hungry children; multipurpose gift cards (Walmart, etc.) will help families purchase exactly what they need.
Our “Season of Giving” campaign is now open. This is an
excellent way to honor or memorialize loved ones. See Page
3 for details.
Food pantry donations are always a great way to help feed
hungry families. Paper products are especially needed
at this time. Our Needs List is located on our website
at www.unioncrisis.org.
CAM introduces our new
“Breaking the cycle of poverty” program
Starting in January 2013, CAM will be introducing our new Breaking the Cycle of Poverty
Program where at least 25 families who have been assisted more than once by our agency
will have the opportunity to participate in workshops and receive one-on-one counseling
and financial planning guidance by local agencies and volunteers.
While we will continue offering emergency assistance, it is our desire to empower those we serve to become better
advocates for themselves, providing instruction as well as a vision to seek long-term solutions. This new program will help
our agency move beyond just providing help for urgent needs by equipping individuals living on low incomes with the
knowledge and skills that they need to make informed financial decisions.
Wingate softball team volunteers
The Wingate Girl’s Softball Team recently spent one of their
Saturday mornings doing some volunteer work for CAM. They did
some much-needed housecleaning, worked in the food pantry and even
took time to decorate our Christmas tree. The office looked so much
better on Monday morning.
CAM really appreciated their time and effort and the wonderful “team
spirit” they displayed while here.
If your school, group, club or church would like spend quality time
volunteering, holding a food drive or would like to discuss fundraising
ideas, please give our Executive Director, Gloria Barrino, a call at
704-238-0155.
Union County Crisis Assistance Ministry
CAM CONNECTION
VOLUME 15
DECEMBER 2012
Holiday gift ideas
Gift Cards
Please remember as the holidays are nearing that gift cards for
food, gas or clothing are a wonderful way to help those in need
and a special way to get your family involved in charity.
Happy is the one who shows kindness to the needy!”
Proverbs 14:20
Give the Gift that Gives Back!
“Season of Giving”
Honor Cards
Your Name
□ One month’s rent for 2 families $1,000
□ One month’s rent for one family
$500
□ One month’s utility support
$150
□ Prescriptions for 2 elderly people $100
□ One week’s groceries for 1 family
□ Other
Many of us do not have to worry about how we will pay the mortgage
or utility bill this month. But there are some in our community who must
choose whether to pay the heating bill or purchase medicine for their
children.
During this holiday season, why not give a gift in honor of someone
you love that will also help someone less fortunate in our community!
Crisis Assistance Ministry is offering “Season of Giving” honor cards.
These cards may be purchased throughout the Thanksgiving and Christmas
season to help those who need “a hand up,” NOT a hand out. UCCAM
will personally hand-address and sign each card you purchase and send to
those you wish to honor letting them know a gift has been made in their
name to help needy families in Union County.
$50
Address
City State Zip
Phone
Honoree’s Name
Address
City State Zip
Honoree’s Name
Address
- General Support $________*
* Minimum of $25 per honoree - If you have
more than two people you wish to honor,
please enclose a list of names and addresses.
City State Zip
MAIL TO: UCCAM, 1333 W. Roosevelt Blvd, Monroe, NC 28110
or simply call us at (704) 225-0440 to donate by phone.