In previous Big Changes Start Small (comprised of Hood Seminary and 3 Charlotte, NC churches) reports to the Pan-Methodist Campaign, our ministry provided clothing, health essentials, school supplies, and festive gatherings to children and families in need.
Due to the pandemic we were not able to serve children as before. Blessed by the Black Charlotte Firefighters with a truck load of toys and a truck load of stuffed animals to distribute to children. We got busy and organized “give-away” events to care for children. This is what we were able to do:
The 1st give-away was at a hotel that houses several homeless families.
The 2nd event was at 1st Mt. Calvary Baptist where we served about 150 children plus their families. We had toys, stuffed toys, hygiene items and food.
The 3rd give-away was at Greenville Memorial AME Zion where we served 50-75 children.
The 4th give-away was in Salisbury as the “Families and Communities Together” (F.A.C.T.) group blessed the children of the member F.A.C.T. churches and 100 children in the Zion Hills Apartments.
The 5th giveaway was led by Hickory Grove UM Church in Charlotte which is a multicultural congregation with a Latino portion and an African component. The co-pastors are Hood Seminary graduates.
The 6th giveaway was at Clinton Chapel A. M. E. Zion Church to families that are struggling with loss of jobs/income, foster care and loss due to fire, etc.
The 7th giveaway was through a Hood Seminary graduate in the Concord/Albemarle, NC area (Silver Hill Primitive Baptist Church) who is working with a homeless shelter and 2 designated families.
The smiles on the children's faces were priceless. We did it all without money. But God's bounty was sufficient.
Dr. Mary Love, Hood Theological Seminary