Fayetteville Christian School
FCS and Extravagant Harvest ministry served over 400 families and provided them with food, water, clothing, personal supplies and prayer. They also helped 30 families remove fallen trees, damaged furniture, water-logged personal belongings and sheet rock. Senior Keoni Arnold, who worked three
days that week, reflected, “I realized how blessed I was and I wanted to give back to my community to help those affected by Hurricane Matthew. It was fun to work knowing I was helping people.”
“While Hurricane Matthew was devastating, it was exciting to have the opportunity to help people in our own community. Our students were the hands and feet of Jesus to many. The work we were able to do during the week out of school was Christian education in action.”
~ Lauri Ake, PreK-8th Grade Principal,
FCS
Fayetteville Academy
The Fayetteville Academy Big Buddies/Little Buddies program (7th graders working with 1st graders) assembled hygiene kits for hurricane victims. The 6th graders put together hurricane kits which included a blanket, water and snacks. When asked about the importance of organizing the Hurricane Matthew hygiene drive, Senior Rebecca Mergy responded, “I was overwhelmed by the amount of tragedy that I saw all around me. With Fayetteville Academy being one of the only schools open that week, I saw a perfect opportunity to reach out to my fellow classmates and teachers. I hoped would bring a glimmer of hope to those affected. They need to know their community is willing to reach out and offer help to them. I received a great deal of support from my student body, as we collected 460 pounds of hygiene items that were distributed throughout Fayetteville, Lumberton, and St. Pauls.”
Parks Building Supply & Interiors
“Our team at Parks Building Supply & Interiors put together a corporate drive and the response has been amazing. So many people and companies have given, including our own team members. We are also working with Habitat For Humanity of Fayetteville to rebuild homes that were under water off of Old Wilmington Highway. The spirit of volunteerism and corporate responsibility is alive and well Parks Building Supply & Interiors!”
Covenant Love
"It's been an amazing blessing to our church, to be able to partner with Operation Blessing & help the community bounce back from the hurricane." Volunteer efforts are ongoing. Visit their Facebook page for more information: facebook.com/covenantlove or visit them at 420 Dunn Road in Fayetteville.
Cumberland Community Foundation
Gifts large and small are making a difference for neighbors in need. To donate to the Giving Together Hurricane Matthew Relief Fund visit www.cumberlandcf.org or call 910.483.4449. CCF matched $100,000 in gifts for the Hurricane Matthew Relief Fund. One hundred percent of all gifts will go to nonprofit organizations directly serving those with the greatest need.
Second Harvest Food Bank
Corey Brown, volunteer leader, who after working 90+ hours with Fayetteville PWC was off work at 3 a.m. and at Second Harvest Food Bank by 7 a.m. the same morning. For a list of their most needed items visit their website: actionpathways.ngo/hunger.
Village Baptist Church
“We want to be the hands and feet of Jesus in our community. Matthew 25:40 is our heart beat for our church and it is what motivates us and we hope it is the same for our community.” ~ Michael Troxel, Youth Pastor, Village Baptist Church.
Fayetteville Dream Center
“We were able to help 21 families from all of the donations from downtown Fayetteville business owners. That is why I love to support local businesses because they really are a part of the community and come together to help. It was really great to see everyone unite.” ~ Kelly Twedell, Director, Fayetteville Dream Center
