We are all stretched tight financially with the recent storm devastation and our determination to respond to the urgent needs that will persist for months to come. But as we look forward to Christmas let us remember the public-school children whose families experience food insecurity. United Christian Ministries of Jackson County (“UCM”) will again sponsor their annual Christmas Food Bag Project. UCM will fill 650 grocery totes with food for the children to take home for the long holiday break. This is a significant increase over its past food bag target because not only has the need in Jackson County increased, but also because Manna Food Bank, one of UCM’s primary partners in addressing food insecurity, was impacted by Hurricane Helene and is operating at only limited capacity.
Our church is committed to providing 650 Beanee Weenee Pop-top cans (Original flavor, 7.75 oz.) to help fill the grocery totes. We need your help! Please add this item to your grocery list and place the cans in the Loving Kindness Center. (Through the door at the front of the Sanctuary on the piano side.) Additionally, UCM needs volunteers to help assemble the food bags so that they may be distributed before students are dismissed for the Christmas break. The “Bag Packing Party” will be at the First United Methodist Church of Sylva on Saturday, December 14, beginning at 8:00 a.m.
P.S. We have been notified that the Sav Mor grocery store has ordered an extra large supply of Beanee Weenee’s for anyone wanting to shop for them there.