Elizabeth, Mary and Carly, ages 7, 5 and 3, were cold and hungry as they sat alone in their dark house. The winter temperatures that evening were freezing and there was no electricity except for one drop cord that ran out their window and to a neighboring house. It brought a small amount of power, but not enough to keep three sisters warm or provide them a hot meal.
The girls had no choice but to fend for themselves while their parents were drinking at the bar down the road. Their stomachs rumbling, Elizabeth pulled a box of dry cereal off the shelf. Each of them took turns reaching into the box grabbing handfuls of the brownish flakes until it was gone.
Little did the sisters know that this would be the last time they had to worry about hunger. Representatives from the Department of Social Services arrived moments later and removed the girls from the home.
The frightened sisters arrived at Baptist Children’s Homes (BCH) at 10 p.m. with only the clothes they were wearing: tank tops, shorts and flip flops. Cottage parents Adam and Sian Saunders were waiting for them at the door of the cottage that was now their new home.
The Saunders, who have served as cottage parents for more than 25 years, knew how to soothe the girls’ fears in that moment. Sian drew baths for the girls so they would be clean and warm. Meanwhile, Adam fixed grilled cheese sandwiches to fill their tummies.
Warm baths, clean clothes and sandwiches, things that appear small on the surface, meant everything to Elizabeth and her younger siblings. It was exactly what the sisters needed to feel safe and loved as they settled into their new home.
The Food Roundup is vital because of children like Elizabeth, Mary and Carly. So many boys and girls could never count on eating regularly before coming to live at BCH.
What can you do to help?
When you are feeding BCH cottages across North Carolina that can have as many as 12 to 16 residents, it takes a lot of food to fill hungry bellies.
By collecting $400,000 in nonperishable food, supplies and gift cards, you are the hands and feet of Jesus to children at BCH, many who are hearing the Gospel for the first time. Your efforts provide 700,000 meals and snacks - enough to feed BCH's children for a year!
Watch the 2-minute video on Sian and Adam Saunders, BCH houseparents/childcare workers, share why the Food Roundup is so important. Visit www.bchnc.org/food17
Downloadable materials and resources, including a flyer, leader's guide, needs list, Collection points (coming soon), promos and video are all available at www.bchfoodroundup.org
If you need help with materials, or need to order a copy of the Food Roundup video on DVD, please contact Food Roundup Coordinator
Alan Williams at 1.800.476.3669 ext. 1277 or awilliams@bchfamily.org.
Thank you for being a blessing to children!