A local church that has been involved in feeding the less fortunate for decades wants to make sure RRGSD children and their families enjoy a nice meal for Thanksgiving and Christmas. First United Methodist Church is partnering with the district and inviting area churches, community organizations, and individuals to join them in an effort to raise funds to feed families in need this year.
Janina Pinnicchia, Child Nutrition Director for the district, has identified a number of local families who are in dire need of assistance. Karen Surratt, who is heading the project for the church, is in the process of raising funds initially for Thanksgiving and Christmas meals for those families. A $50 donation buys a box of food for a family. Once the funds are raised, Pinnicchia and her staff will prepare the fresh meals just prior to each holiday and assemble the baskets. Individual schools in the district will actually deliver the meals to each family.
“Approximately 65 percent of the students qualify for free and reduced lunch, and many families are especially in need during the pandemic,” Pinnicchia said. “This is a wonderful example of the community joining hands with the school district to meet some critical needs. We are so grateful for the generosity of this community.”
Joe Casteel, pastor of FUMC, is equally excited about the “Feed a Family” project. “This is a mission our church is passionate about,” he said, “and we hope others will join us.”
Donations can be mailed to First United Methodist Church, 339 Roanoke Avenue, Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870. Please note “Feed a Family” on the check. Any funds beyond those needed for the holiday meals will be used for weekend meals and special deliveries early in 2021.