Eric Reece
From time to time, we send out invitations on one of our churches email lists for volunteers – when we need help with mission projects.
One day, I received an email from a lady in Ireland. Her email address was one letter different from one of our members and through an error, had been sent invitations to volunteer.
She was a good sport about it and commented on our good works. I’m sure if she lived closer, she would have been right here to help. She attends a Roman Catholic Church and I was grateful for her reaching out to us.
One of the good partners Graham County has is Catholic Charities.
Around five years ago, some in our community spoke to the Catholic Charities Asheville office about helping with one of our local food distributions. They funded the costs of shopping carts, which were helpful in offering people a shopping experience where they had a choice to get the food they wanted. This model is called “clients choice.”
Two years ago, Catholic Charities came to an event at our health department, and gave out diapers and other hard to get items. It is here I spoke with Jesse Boeckermann, director of the Asheville office.
He has been working hard to bring services to our area and to strengthen the satellite office they have in Murphy.
I am pleased to share that they are hosting a MANNA Express food and diaper, toiletries and hygiene products event – at no cost – from 4-6 p.m. Thursday, June 8, at the Graham County Public Health Department (191 P & J Road).
I am grateful for the work of Catholic Charities. They share the love of God, and work to strengthen families, build up communities and reduce poverty. They use donations and grants to fund their services.
For details, visit ccdoc.org.
Eric Reece is the faith columnist for The Graham Star. He is pastor of Robbinsville United Methodist Church and can be reached via email, ereece@wnccumc.net.