Current Events: March, 2012

Fill Their Plates...Fill Their Hearts - 2010 Food Roundup

Fill Their Plates...Fill Their Hearts - 2010 Food Roundup

March 17, 2010

Baptist Children’s Homes (BCH) boys and girls know whenever they sit down for a meal, the delicious food that fills their plates is lovingly provided by churches and adults who care. The annual “Food Roundup” has successfully united churches, businesses, and other friends to collect much needed food, supplies and gift cards for BCH residents.

In these challenging times, the 2010 Food Roundup in April is more important than ever!

This year's food drive will once again offer an opportunity for churches, businesses and individuals to help provide for the needs of BCH's boys and girls in care throughout North Carolina. BCH hopes to collect $350,000 in nonperishable food items, paper products and gift cards.

While efforts were strong last year, the Food Roundup fell significantly short of goal.

“Last year, churches, businesses and individuals gave it their all during a time when economic struggles made giving difficult,” said BCH president Michael C. Blackwell. “We are thankful for the sacrificial efforts of so many in the midst of these challenges.”

BCH depends on the Food Roundup to offset the immense food costs to provide nearly 725,000 meals and snacks to children and developmentally disabled individuals each year. In 2009, Food Roundup totals were down more than $100,000.00 from the previous year.

“We continue to experience the effects of a stressed economy,” Blackwell said. “Right now, giving is down, but we know we can count on our churches in times of need.”

Blackwell also sees the food drive as an important part of BCH’s ministry to children.
“Many children come to us from situations where they have not been provided the appropriate care by the adults in their lives,” he said. “The Food Roundup shows our boys and girls there are adults who love them and are there for them regardless of their circumstances.”

Here’s how to help...

1. Promote the collection at your church, business or community group. Download flyers and promotional ads at www.bchfamily.org/support/foodroundup
2. Publicize the needs list.
3. Sort and place the food/supplies in sturdy boxes for loading and transport.
4. Contact your Association office/collection point for the date when they accept donations.
5. Send the names of any distributors of food or supplies in your area and their contact information to Alan Williams.
6. Recruit missions, youth and other volunteer groups to help at association offices and other collection points.
7. BCH needs summer missions teams to help process and inventory the food and supplies at BCH facilities. Need a project in May, June or July? Call the BCH facility nearest you, or call 1.800.476.3669, extension 1277.
8. BCH is in need of large trucks to help with pickup. If you know of someone who has access to a truck that might be able to help with pickup and/or delivery, call Alan Williams. Questions, contact Alan Williams at 1.800.476.3669, ext. 1277.

Help meet this year's goal to collect at least $350,000 in food, supplies and gift cards. Your effort counts!

Click on www.bchfamily.org/support/foodroundup to download this year's needed items list plus a variety of advertisements you can use in your newsletter or church bulletin to promote this year's food drive. These lists will also be published in upcoming editions of Charity & Children.

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