Need is great, but community response greater in Roanoke Valleyby Stephen Hemelt, Managing Editor, The Daily Herald
There is no doubt that times are tough for those in the Roanoke Valley. Word from those who run Union Mission of Roanoke Rapids shows the people of the Roanoke Valley are even tougher.
The Rev. LaCount Anderson told The Daily Herald the mission helped 700 people with emergency food in the first four weeks of September, a drastic increase because the mission normally serves 200 to 300 people in that time frame.
LaCount described the need as “crazy” in Sunday’s newspaper.
The mission, located in the 1300 block of Roanoke Avenue, serves one meal a day to the public and offers food boxes, which can contain canned food.
“We’re just very pleased with the community for their help,” LaCount said. “I think we are seeing people who normally don’t visit us. Those donations from Scouts, high schools and various church groups are really helpful to what we’re doing. I just want to thank the citizens who have donated, and I want them to know their donations have really helped their fellow citizens in the Roanoke Valley.”
Union Mission operates completely on donations, so it is a testament to the enduring spirit of the community that Union Mission has met its recent needs, which are up as much as 300 percent.
It seems all too many of us are but one cutback away from being the one who can help to the one who needs help.
It’s great to know there are many wonderful people who work with the less fortunate in our very own community.
There is also a larger network of people who help supply those on the front lines. We are grateful for them all.
Anyone interested in helping the mission can call 252-537-3372 or e-mail LaCount at director@umrr.org.
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