By Staff
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.
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.
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.
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.
The group will also deliver 75 fruit baskets to nursing homes and seniors in the community.
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.
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.”