cam connection - unioncrisis.org
Transcription
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. 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.