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Fifth Annual “Food Roundup” Gives Community Opportunity To Help Children

Fifth Annual “Food Roundup” Gives Community
Opportunity To Help Children

April 01, 2008

Churches, businesses and individuals in the community are poised for a fifth consecutive year to help children by giving to Baptist Children’s Homes of North Carolina’s (BCH) “Food Roundup.” Throughout the month of April, the food and supply drive provides a special opportunity for members of the community to impact the lives of boys and girls living at BCH facilities across the state including the institution’s Mills Home campus in Thomasville.

“It’s nothing short of inspirational to see how the ‘Food Roundup’ has united people to help the hurting children in our care,” says BCH president Michael C. Blackwell who has led the non-profit institution since 1983.

BCH held its inaugural food drive in Summer 2003. Each year the Food Roundup has helped BCH meet the daily needs of children. However, the need to fill children’s plates for this year’s food drive is greater than ever before.

Changes to BCH’s food program are making it even more important for churches to step-up their efforts for the Food Roundup in April. BCH is losing $150,000 that is normally designated for purchasing food for its young residents. The Food Roundup has helped offset monetary deficits in the past, and BCH president Michael C. Blackwell is counting on this year’s food drive to do the same.

“The Food Roundup is always essential in helping the children in our care, but it’s never been more vital than now,” Blackwell explained. “We are counting on the support of all our church and community friends to help meet this tremendous need.”

BCH is setting its very first Food Roundup goal. Blackwell is asking supporters to raise at least $350,000 in nonperishable food items, supplies, and grocery store gift cards. He knows that the contributions will impact more than just children’s appetites.

“Many of our boys and girls come from situations where their needs did not come first,” Blackwell says. “The response we receive from the food drive shows our children there are adults who truly care for them. When they sit at the dinner table, they know their meal was provided by people who have their best interests at heart.”

To learn how your business, church or organization can participate in the BCH Food Roundup, contact Food Roundup coordinator Alan Williams at 1-800-476-3669 ext. 1277 or visit www.bchfamily.org.

Since 1885, Baptist Children’s Homes of North Carolina has helped children and families. BCH began with one campus, Mills Home in Thomasville, but now provides services in sixteen communities across the state.

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