More Than a FEW!

Last Wednesday, there was a crowd. More than 160 families received food. Our stockers, baggers and greeters had a difficult time keeping up. In 4 short hours the CFC staff had served more than on any other day since our beginning. We knew things were tough and we knew that this season would bring new families in need.

HOWEVER.... we had no idea what was to come. Yesterday, Monday November 24th 217 families were served. That number represents almost one family during every minute the CFC was open. Our volunteers struggled to keep up. A mid-day stocking was required. 4 volunteers were working the store side and others were working on the "warehouse side" sorting and shelving food from the recent Blount Memorial Hospital Employee's Food Drive.

With only 6 possible parking spaces it is hard to imagine how this many cars, families and people were served without a mishap. Only by the grace of God and many loving volunteers who love to share their faith and their service through helping others allows the CFC to stay open.

We live in a great community that pulls together and lends a helping hand. The board of the CFC is undergoing changes and we need more help. Every team needs more help. Please pray for wisdom and for the hearts of loving servants to be called into action!

Enjoy a warm and wonderful Thanksgiving! We all have much to be thankful for!

Overwhelmed and Thankful!

Whew! What a weekend! Larry Ladd and his trusty volunteers spent an entire weekend speaking with customers, hauling food and handing out information about the Community Food Connection at the Food City in West Maryville. More than 40 volunteers worked over that 24 - 30 hour period at the grocery store. Many others hauled food back to the CFC and others began the sorting. Payoff you might ask? Almost 20,000 pounds of food was collected! WOW! What a tremendous blessing!! Money was also collected.

This is backbreaking work. It takes time. It was beautiful weather, but chilly. Still, the citizens of Blount County came together to help those in need.

Thanks to all those who gave. Thanks to all those who served. Thanks be to the One who blesses us when we aren't expecting an overflowing cupboard. Thanksgiving came early this year....... Amen.

Trick or Cans? Definitely CANS!

Trick or Cans? Definitely CANS!

What a great night! Actually 2 nights. The Maryville College Fighting Scots collected food on Thursday evening October 30th in the historic district near their campus.... great job! Adding to that drive were the "Trick or Cans" teams collecting on Halloween night in many neighborhoods around Maryville. Total collected and delivered to the CFC... 10000 cans! WOW! What a great blessing!

The youth who collected food on Halloween were found in many creative costumes.... Sarah Palin, a killer ballerina, Juno, characters from the Rocky Horror Picture Show and many more. Of course some volunteers wore the traditional Trick or Cans tee-shirt. Youth groups, clubs and individuals brought their food to the New Providence Presbyterian parking lot where they gathered to laugh, share snacks and count cans. What a great effort!

This year the team leaders were Scott McAmis, Michae Musick and Sarah Delozier (who will be taking over next fall). The board of directors expresses their deep gratitude for a job well done. Many hungry folks in Blount County will be helped in the days to come by the generosity of the community. As the woes of lay offs, sluggish economy and other life factors affect the families of Blount County the number of families needing help increases. Every single food drive and donation make a difference for someone in need.

Thank you Trick or Cans!