Non-profits work overtime to ensure holiday meals for all
As families gather today for a meal of turkey, dressing and all the fixings, it is important to remember that not everyone enjoys a warm home and a hot meal.
Graham County is blessed with several organizations that have been established to help those who are not as fortunate as others. Two of those are Reigniting Hope Foundation and Five Point Center, both of which have been busy this holiday season working hard to spread the spirit of giving. Both ministries have put their efforts to accomplish great things.
Reigniting Hope
Reigniting Hope Foundation is a non-profit that works at “Reigniting Hope” in those who are struggling with active addiction, those that are in recovery and those who are homeless.
Since moving into their new facility on Dillard Orr Road, Reigniting Hope has been able to provide five homeless individuals with a bed to sleep in. During the last cold spell, that number went up to six.
A warm bed and a hot meal are something most take for granted, but not Tracey Jones and other volunteers at the foundation. They are determined to make sure the needs of those who walk through their doors feel welcomed and their basic needs are met.
Jones and other volunteers will be working hard today to prepare seven turkeys, along with homemade dressing, vegetables and sides brought by members of the community who feel the need to serve others. The meal is open to anyone who doesn’t have a place to go or anything to eat on Thanksgiving.
“Everyone is invited,” Jones stressed.
The new facility is located at 113 Dillard Orr Road. They have several cooks and servers lined up, and the meal will be served at 5 p.m.
Five Point Center
Five Point Center, commonly known as "Grace Place, A Community Table," served turkey and dressing with gravy, mashed potatoes, green beans and dessert Nov. 19, dishing out 576 meals.
In addition to the meal, Grace Place had Thanksgiving boxes available to 150 families in need. Each box had enough food to serve a family of 10. Not only did they organize a food drive, but Grace Place recruited volunteers from the community to help fill the boxes. The organization filled the boxes in an hour and 10 minutes. These boxes were able to make sure families across Graham County will have a warm, full meal this holiday.
Every can, box, or dollar donated helped them not only provide food, but also to feed hope into the lives of our county.
"It is all about community loving community,” coordinator Michelle Shiplet shared.
“We can’t do anything we do without the support of this community helping one another. We are the hands and feet.
Located at 300 Five Point Road, the center is planning to coordinate another drive for Christmas. Beginning Tuesday, the organization plans to provide boxes to families at Christmas that will include a ham and potatoes, as well as household goods and over-the-counter medications that are needed as families gather for the holiday season.
“Giving Tuesday” will be announced on the Grace Place Facebook page. The hope is to have donations in by Tuesday, Dec. 16; and boxes ready to be distributed Wednesday, Dec. 17.
Five Point’s goal is to restore hope and build resilience. The organization strives to empower individuals through programs that address urgent and ongoing physical, educational, economic and social gaps, and they serve as a catalyst for positive, lasting change in Graham County.
How can you help?
This is the perfect time of year for families and members of the community to give back to others. There is always room for more help.
If anyone is available to serve food or clean up after the dinner at Reigniting Hope today, help is welcome.
There are also other opportunities open. The foundation is always in need of food for the shelter. Blankets and coats are always needed. The shelter is also in need of cots for sleeping. If you would like to help, please contact Jones via phone, at 828-735-9442.
You can also give to the Five Point Center by contacting Michelle Shiplet via phone, at 828-346-6131.
Together, Graham County can make a difference in the lives of its people.
Make this a season of giving thanks, by serving others.