Prayers Are Answered!

The Board of Directors has been holding their breath and saying a lot of prayers around the CFC these past 2 months. Food donations were very low and money in the bank was even lower! And with no hesitation we can say that our client need is increasing with each passing day! A normal day at the CFC would bring about 75 - 85households in asking for food. Over the last 2 months that number has grown to more than 100 almost every single day with a few days surpassing 130 families asking for food.

Tough decisions have been made and the food being distributed was reduced so that everyone would have some food. A few very dedicated local churches continued to bring food in each week and kept things rolling. Then something happened.... a new volunteer (Larry Ladd) came in with some new ideas. One weekend every month the CFC will man a traveling bin at a different grocery store. Volunteers will hand out info on the CFC and as shoppers exit they can drop cans into the bin. Last weekend (Sept. 12 - 14) was the first run and we had great success! Shoppers filled that bin at the Alcoa Wal-Mart! WOW! Great canned food was donated! Meanwhile the Maryville Wal_Mart had also allowed another pre-scheduled and planned food drive sponsored by the Lutheran Men! Another big success! More food!

And also in process is the Maryville High School/William Blount High School food drive... "Halt Hunger at Home".... MHS drive is being sponsored by the National Honor Society. the William Blount drive is being sponsored by ROTC. Food will be collected all week at both schools and also at the gate of the Friday game. MHS will ask students to bring food not only during the week but also as admission to the Pep Rally on Friday. The class that brings the most food will be given the spirit award!

Looks like more food is on the way! What a tremendous blessing! With the price of gasoline, recent lay offs in the community and utility needs at an all time high, people need our help!

Coming to the game? Bring canned food.

One last thought... halloween is on the way and there will be another canned food drive. In it's 11th year "Trick or Cans" will once again come to many neighborhoods. Youth from all over the county will be collecting canned and staple foods to be donated to the Communitiy Food Connection. Have several cans ready and help us "FEED THE HUNGRY IN BLOUNT COUNTY"!

The pictures you see are of the food coming in from this past weekend. Look at those carts.. full and overflowing. Thanks to all those who donated, sorted, shelved, delivered and prayed. It takes everyone working together to make things happen!