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After a valiant fight with multiple health issues Jane Esdale was taken home to our heavenly Father, Wednesday, February 24, 2010 at 5:00 pm. A memorial service will be held Saturday, February 27, 2010 at 2:00 pm at the First Baptist Church, 606 North Walnut Street, Lumberton, NC 28358. Visitation will follow in the fellowship hall. Memorials may be sent to the Robeson County Church and Community Center, Inc., 600 West 5th Street, Lumberton, NC 28358.

     Amazing what one person can do!  Check out the newest photo album "Senior Project" to learn about the project Julia Sanchez took on single-handedly in early October.  It will touch your heart!

     "Whom shall I send?"

     On January 16, 2010, people from Robeson County and other supporters will  once again be asked to respond to this call.  Several hundred church and county leaders have been invited to the third annual Church and Community Center Prayer Breakfast.  This event is set for 8:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church, Lumberton -- corner of Walnut and 6th Streets (kitty corner across from Chestnut Street United Methodist)  Their mission?  Moving our community out of poverty.  Steve Taylor, Director of Missions for the North Carolina Conference, United Methodist Church, will speak.

     The US Census Bureau estimates that 30 percent of Robeson County residents live below the poverty level, making it the poorest county in North Carolina.  Church and community leaders will consider the ways the Church and Community Center is already making a difference and the challenges it faces to keep pace with the increasing need.  A time of prayer for the center and its needs is included.

     Interviews and photo opportunities will be available with people who have been helped by RCCCC programs.  Meet two women who will share their stories.  And meet the people serving on the front lines of poverty.

     Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once famously said that worship was the most segregated hour in America.  But on the weekend celebrating his birth, we can work together as one to combat poverty.

     Whom shall I send?  ... Send me.

Please call 910.738.5204 to respond before Wednesday, January 13.

     Although we have lots more pics to upload, here is a glance of what generous givers have done to make the holidays brighter for the people we serve.

     Detailed food drive information will also come soon!

     Lumberton High School Peace Club made a huge donation to the food pantry this week!  The group brought 692 pounds of nonperishable food to help feed hungry people.  Other groups are planning donations for December.

     Other donors, like a retired pastor who wants to remain anonymous, have given the pantry over 1000 pounds of food in the past few weeks.

     Thanks also to our monthly donor, Campbell Soup Co., Maxton.  We have plenty of soups!  We receive a pallet of soup from them every month.

     Can you help now?  Even small amounts add up quickly and families depend on us to assist them.  Between January and the end of October we have served 2,667 Robeson County families -- an all-time record for us.

     We especially need canned fruit, juices (100% juice please), peanut butter, canned meats and breakfast cereals. 

     Hope you will take a little time to view new photos in our gallery.  First Baptist Church of Lumberton dedicated Nov. 7 as "Inasmuch Day."   Three of their work projects included building 2 wheelchair ramps for our senior citizens and preparing trees for use as free firewood to people who come to us for heating assistance.

    Thanks to all these hard workers in God's Kingdom!

      RCCCC Staff has begun its Christmas planning for 2009.  We have already had families contacting us to find out if adults will be able to join our Christmas Investors' Program in order to earn gifts for their children who still live at home.

      We have sponsored this program for three years now because it gives adults an opportunity to provide gifts for children that they have earned through their sweat equity as volunteers at our Home Store or in the Food Pantry.  That work experience can be valuable as training for paid employment in addition to boosting self-esteem because the adult has truly provided Christmas for the family without asking for a handout.

      What we now need is your commitment in order to make this gift real for Robeson County families.

      If your family, work group, Sunday school class, church or community organization would like to become a partner by providing gifts for us to put in our Christmas Store, we would like to know that as soon as your group decides it wants to become involved.  Call the office at 910.738.5204 to leave a message, or email the director at rccccdir@ncrrbiz.com. 

      We need your gifts before Wednesday, December 16 because the Christmas Store will be open by appointment for all investors on December 18, 19 and 21.

      Most needed gifts are small electronic games for boys between 8 and 12, sports equipment and educational games.  Next needed is cash donations so we can provide $50.00 gift certificates for teens and $20.00 gift certificates for mothers and grandmothers who often are raising children alone. 

      We also appreciate warm clothes, scarves, caps, gloves for all ages (child - adult) and a few gifts for senior citizens. 

      Please send new gifts only.

      Robeson County Church and Community Center wants to deliver its newsletters by email.  If the Center does not already have your email address, would you please send a message to Nancy Milligan at the following address with "Newsletter Please"  in the subject line?  Thanks so much!  We are trying to join the 21st century.

     Robeson County Children begin school tomorrow, and many of them have most of the tools they need because of your generous response to our request!  Over 206 children were given packets of paper, pencils, pens, crayons or markers, rulers, even scissors and packets of facial tissues that will make their first day school easier!

     The line of parents stretched the width of our main building on August 20 as they waited in the heat to receive necessary supplies on behalf of their children.  Many expressed gratitude, declaring that under current conditions they had wondered how they could meet this need until they heard about us.  "Thanks to all those who gave so generously so that kids could get a better start!"

     Two significant events have now been added to the photo gallery! 

     On May 7th, the United Way of Robeson County held its annual Day of Caring.  A record 16,032 pounds of food was collected from throughout the County and donated to four agencies, including the Church and Community Center.  Check out the hard working volunteers and staff who sorted it all in two days!

     The annual Volunteer Appreciation Picnic was held on May 14 at Luther Britt Park in Lumberton.  Over 40 volunteers who assist staff in meeting needs at RCCCC enjoyed a picnic lunch of burgers, hotdogs and all the fixings.  Lee Oxendine entertained the group following the lunch.