Some Roanoke Rapids Graded School District families received a turkey with all the trimmings Thursday thanks to the generosity of parishioners at First United Methodist Church in Roanoke Rapids and other community organizations.
The church started raising funds last month through the "Feed a Family" project and ultimately collected enough money to purchase bags of food for 43 needy RRGSD families.
One of the organizers Karen Surratt said the church hopes to do the same for families this Christmas.
“Approximately 65 percent of the students qualify for free and reduced lunch in the district, and many families are especially in need during the pandemic,” Janina Pinnicchia, RRGSD Child Nutrition Director 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.
