LINCOLNTON––As are many Lincoln County groups, Christian Ministry is doing its part in the wake of Hurricane Helene.

Its executive director, Mitzi Williams, shared more about this Friday. The local charity is an agency of the Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina, which in turn is part of the national Feeding America organization.

“I know all of you are working hard to serve your community during these unprecedented times,” said Williams. “Second Harvest is committed to supporting you and our neighbors in the Asheville area, as well as those affected in South Carolina. I have received many calls asking for food and supplies to take to the affected areas.”

She added that Christian Ministry wants everyone to know that the Second Harvest Food Bank, Feeding America, the Manna Food Bank––which is based in Asheville and sustained a significant building loss but is still co-ordinating efforts––and all of the food banks in North and South Carolina are co-ordinating with local and state agencies to transport food into the affected areas. Food distribution efforts are progressing, as Williams noted.

“Second Harvest is also focused on assisting our partners and neighbors in our own service area, which has also experienced damage from Hurricane Helene,” she continued. “Many are still without power, water or cellular telephone service. We sent trucks to our westernmost counties in North Carolina and made sure our branches in Spartanburg (still without power) and Anderson, S.C. were open and stocked on Monday.”

Those wishing to see how things are progressing and learn more about how they can help should check out the Website at www.christianministryoflincolncounty.org.

“Please allow the state and local agencies and nonprofits working directly with them to co-ordinate efforts,” said Williams. “The Asheville-based and surrounding local agencies are asking all others to not travel into the area.

“As you can imagine, our warehouse and staffers are working very hard,” she added. “The Charlotte warehouse team is unable to field all of the incoming calls. Please continue to make shopping and dock appointments to pick up what we have available. The items that are in high demand (such as bottled water and shelf-stable, ready-to-eat food) are not readily available. We are doing everything we can to acquire them. You will receive communication from me or your co-ordinator when they become available.”

She also directed those in need to Second Harvest’s social-media presence and its Website: www.secondharvestmetrolina.org/hurricane-helene.

“While the big dogs are networking together to support western North Carolina, Christian Ministry of Lincoln County is here helping our local area,” said Williams. “We have helped people who have lost all their food. We are helping people who are relocating to our area from western North Carolina. All the food banks are going over and beyond what their normal levels are. From the national Feed America through Second Harvest Food Bank to Christian Ministry of Lincoln County, please know that any support you give is welcomed and appreciated! Please keep everyone in your prayers.”

Christmas preparations

In other news, the ministry is collecting used toys for its annual used-toy giveaway. Interested donors may drop off toys at the ministry’s downtown Lincolnton offices at 207 S. Poplar St., Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Plus, plastic bags are sorely needed, as Williams informed.

“We have a dire need for plastic grocery bags,” she said. “We understand that they are needed in western North Carolina as well. But if you have any to give, we can certainly use them. Thank you!”

With the help of its member churches, local businesses, social groups and individual supporters, Christian Ministry seeks to meet the needs of those who are less fortunate through its emergency services, soup kitchen, annual Christmas campaign, nursing home program and, for local elderly and shut-in residents, the delivery of LINC Home Meals.

To learn more about Christian Ministry, be sure to see the group’s Website at www.christianministryoflincolncounty.org. And e-mail Williams at christianministry2017@gmail.com 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.

Located at 207 S. Poplar St. in Lincolnton, Christian Ministry is open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Call (704) 732-0383 to learn more.