Financial Support Needed at Union Mission

Union Mission Appeals for Financial Support to
Ensure Critical Services Continue

“We need to raise $20,000 in the next few weeks to ensure there’s no decline in our level of outreach to the Roanoke Valley . . .” — Rev. LaCount L. Anderson

ROANOKE RAPIDS, N.C.—Union Mission of Roanoke Rapids is facing a critical shortfall in donated income and is appealing to the community for support. Rev. LaCount Anderson, the Mission’s executive director, reports financial gifts fell significantly behind budget in January and continue to decline while the need for the Mission’s services—especially its food-box distribution program—has never been greater.
“Requests for emergency food assistance across the country rose by 24 percent in 2010, and that reflects the alarming trend we’re seeing right here in the Roanoke Valley,” Anderson said, citing a report released by the U.S. Conference on Mayors. He attributes the growing need to the lingering effects of the sluggish economy.
“Layoffs, reduced wages, foreclosures—they continue to take a toll on our hard-working individuals and families. Many of these are people who have battled to maintain their independence as long as they could but are losing the fight. They live in fear and frustration as they wonder how they’ll feed their kids next week or if their next paycheck will be their last. We have to be here to help if and when the worst happens.”
Anderson said the Mission is also challenged to cover high costs of heating and utilities as the weather grows colder and more homeless men seek safe shelter.
“We need to raise $20,000 in the next few weeks to ensure there’s no decline in our level of outreach to the Roanoke Valley, or that we won’t be forced to cut some services altogether when they’re needed most,” Anderson said. “I’m confident that as our Mission friends and compassionate community members learn of this financial deficit, they’ll do all they can to help us help their neighbors.”
Donations can be made online at www.umrr.org or mailed to Union Mission of Roanoke Rapids at 1310 Roanoke Avenue, Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870. “As always, we’re truly grateful for every gift and prayer,” Anderson said.

For additional information about the Mission’s year-round programs and services, call Rev. LaCount Anderson at 252-537-3372 or visit www.umrr.org.

Union Mission of Roanoke Rapids exists to meet, through the Power of Jesus Christ, the needs of the whole person—spiritual, educational, emotional, physical, vocational and social—so hurting individuals may become fully functioning members of society.