Season Of Caring - Feeding The Hungry

Nearly 60,000 people have recieved shoes, clothes and shelter. And it couldn't be done without a small army of people making it happen.

Just take a look at lunch-time at the potter's house. Hungry men, women and little ones too pile in.

If he could, Chief Chef Darrell Campbell would move in fast forward.

"I love what I do. No matter what time they come in the door, they are going to get something to eat."

To him, the food is more than meal. He knows from experience he's helping to serve up a second chance. "I was one of these people who came throught he door, this was the only place I had to eat a lot of times. I thank God for Greensboro Urban Ministry who didn't judge me."

Many of the same volunteers who welcomed Darrell years ago are still here. Nearly 2,000 volunteers from hundreds of area faith congregations help meet the need. And there is a lot of it. 

Bill Howard, board member and longtime volunteer is manning the front door on this day.  "This is a slow day, we are getting close to 180. We usually have 200 in a normal day."

Just call him the number keeper. "How are you?" he asks a person walking through the door, "let me give you a number."

On this morning, Bill Howard is the first face you see. By lunchtime, he'll greet at least a hundred people needing clothing, shelter, emergency assistance and food. "You don't really see reality until you see people in poverty."

This Korean War vet is often overwhelmed while manning the front line. "I had to tell a lady, who's suffering in pain," he gets a little choked up and stops briefly. "You can't help everyone. You can't do it, but you try."

He's been at it for 20 years....and is hoping you'll join him in battle. "There are so many volunteers needed that I don't think there is a number that high."

He knows each number he hands out is a person, with a story...just like Darrell

"I can be an example for so many who think their life is ruined."

From homeless to volunteer to chief chef. It's a story that can be repeated over and over again, One generation to the next.

You can volunteer your time, resources, etc by calling 271-5959.

To help those less fortunate, Urban Ministry operates through donations and contributions.  Financial, clothing and food and with the economic downturn effecting so many, efforts have been escalated.

To make things 'alright' at Second Harvest Food Bank in Winston Salem, a distribution center, that serves some 18 counties can never have enough food.  Second Harvest serves places like Urban Ministries and lots of manhours keep this operation moving.

Donations make it go and at issue now, demand has outgrown supple.  Second Harvest relies on volunteerism.  It needs 'you' to keep its mission 'true' to help the needy, here at home.