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Caring volunteers provide meals for the needy
Coalition packs boxes full of food, Christmas cheer
By PATTI TRUJILLO, Special to the Daily News
Washington Community Care Coalition, since 1982, has provided food for the hungry at Christmas time. Thornton Gorham, who ran Gorham Automotive at Hackney and Eighth streets for 21 years, gave impetus to the effort. It was his wish to give something back to the community that kept his garage in business for so long.
“I wanted to find something I could put back in the community because the people kept me going for so many years,” Gorham said.
Friday evening, about 25 volunteers, including Beaufort County Commissioner Ed Booth and community leader Archie Harding, packed food boxes in the community room of the Washington Housing Authority on Ninth Street. Those needing food who were on the WCCC list picked the food up Saturday morning.
Boxes are tailored, depending on the availability of food, to family size, which range in size from one to 15 members. Most of the boxes contain fresh greens, bacon, chicken, canned goods, sugar, a loaf of bread, pasta, dried beans and various dried food mixes.
“I have never had so many calls as I have had this year.,” Gorham said. “Donations are down this year, too.”
WCCC shares lists with the Salvation Army, so that between the two organizations, as many people as possible are served.
The nine-member coalition works during the year to raise money for the project. They hold fish fries and gospel concerts and appeal to individuals, churches and community organizations.
“We do this so that these people know that somebody cares about them,” Harding said.
The group prepared more than 100 boxes of food this year. It also delivered 80 frozen meals for those who routinely receive Meals on Wheels. WCCC has had an arrangement with Meals on Wheels for eight years, helping to feed its clients while Meals on Wheels is closed for part of next week.
“They count on us every year,” says Gorham.
The group will also deliver 75 fruit baskets to nursing homes and seniors in the community.
“I like to help people and I decided to help them,” Kathleen Latham, a Delta Sigma Theta sorority member who volunteers with WCCC, said. “I enjoy this and knowing that somebody else is going to have a very nice Christmas because of what we do.”
“It makes a difference, especially when you do this for another human being who you touch,” Coalition member Yvonne Moore said. “The people start calling Bill (Gorham) in the summer. I’m impressed that I convinced my granddaughter to come tonight, too.”
“It’s good to give back to the community and to help other people in need,” Simone Bolles, Moore’s granddaughter, an 11th grader, said.
Volunteers of all ages pitched in to pack the food boxes on Friday and Saturday, including Stefon Little, 12, along with Jasmin Jones, Zakiya Bryant, and Ka’Shauna Harvey, members of Washington/Chocowinity Girl Scout Troop 357.
“We’re trying to help as hard as we can,” Volunteer Ray Thornton said. “Surely we have to reap some benefits if we invest in these poor people.”
As Zelma put her box of food in her car the next morning, she said “I can stretch it out about a month, you know, depending on if the children and grandchildren come to visit.”
By PATTI TRUJILLO, Special to the Daily News
Washington Community Care Coalition, since 1982, has provided food for the hungry at Christmas time. Thornton Gorham, who ran Gorham Automotive at Hackney and Eighth streets for 21 years, gave impetus to the effort. It was his wish to give something back to the community that kept his garage in business for so long.
“I wanted to find something I could put back in the community because the people kept me going for so many years,” Gorham said.
Friday evening, about 25 volunteers, including Beaufort County Commissioner Ed Booth and community leader Archie Harding, packed food boxes in the community room of the Washington Housing Authority on Ninth Street. Those needing food who were on the WCCC list picked the food up Saturday morning.
Boxes are tailored, depending on the availability of food, to family size, which range in size from one to 15 members. Most of the boxes contain fresh greens, bacon, chicken, canned goods, sugar, a loaf of bread, pasta, dried beans and various dried food mixes.
“I have never had so many calls as I have had this year.,” Gorham said. “Donations are down this year, too.”
WCCC shares lists with the Salvation Army, so that between the two organizations, as many people as possible are served.
The nine-member coalition works during the year to raise money for the project. They hold fish fries and gospel concerts and appeal to individuals, churches and community organizations.
“We do this so that these people know that somebody cares about them,” Harding said.
The group prepared more than 100 boxes of food this year. It also delivered 80 frozen meals for those who routinely receive Meals on Wheels. WCCC has had an arrangement with Meals on Wheels for eight years, helping to feed its clients while Meals on Wheels is closed for part of next week.
“They count on us every year,” says Gorham.
The group will also deliver 75 fruit baskets to nursing homes and seniors in the community.
“I like to help people and I decided to help them,” Kathleen Latham, a Delta Sigma Theta sorority member who volunteers with WCCC, said. “I enjoy this and knowing that somebody else is going to have a very nice Christmas because of what we do.”
“It makes a difference, especially when you do this for another human being who you touch,” Coalition member Yvonne Moore said. “The people start calling Bill (Gorham) in the summer. I’m impressed that I convinced my granddaughter to come tonight, too.”
“It’s good to give back to the community and to help other people in need,” Simone Bolles, Moore’s granddaughter, an 11th grader, said.
Volunteers of all ages pitched in to pack the food boxes on Friday and Saturday, including Stefon Little, 12, along with Jasmin Jones, Zakiya Bryant, and Ka’Shauna Harvey, members of Washington/Chocowinity Girl Scout Troop 357.
“We’re trying to help as hard as we can,” Volunteer Ray Thornton said. “Surely we have to reap some benefits if we invest in these poor people.”
As Zelma put her box of food in her car the next morning, she said “I can stretch it out about a month, you know, depending on if the children and grandchildren come to visit.”
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