Task Force for Children & Poverty

This task force was formed in 1997 in response to a challenge by the Council of Bishops to the membership of the United Methodist Church to reach out and help children living in poverty. This ministry has been very active at Southern Pines Primary and Southern Pines Elementary Schools providing tutors for reading and math. SPUMC Volunteers help children not only with school activities, but also act as "Special Friends" helping outside of the school environment.

The Task Force sponsors a school supplies collection in August to provide book bags and supplies to children in need. We also donate coupons so that children may buy books at the schools' Book Fairs held twice a year.

Summer camp is also organized through the Task Force, and this year our church sponsored 13 children at Camp Rockfish.

With the help of the Task Force, "Angel Tree" is a Christmas tradition each year. Last year our church helped over 35 needy families.

The Coalition for Human Care is an emergency needs organization in Moore County. Our church donates food every Communion Sunday, and the Task Force sponsors two large food drives each year. In the summer we also collect fans for distribution at the Coalition.

Marguerite Hussey and Debbie Whitley co-chair the Task Force on Children and Poverty. We meet the first Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. We would love for you to join us!

Task Force Members

Carol Brown
Marguerite Hussey
Audrey Parowski
Sandy Bryant Becky
Kennedy Sandra Smith
Barb Dice
Jane Kschinka
Libby Staples
Fred & Lin Heimrick
Erin Martin
Mark Wethington
Debbie Whitley