Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

With its childcare programs still on hold due to the uncertainties of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Purpose of God Annex is filling a new role in the community as a source of sustenance and free household necessities for the Beaufort County community.

“The biggest need we’ve seen is food,” said Bishop Samuel Jones Jr. “The way they’re getting clothes and appliances, those are vital necessities. A lot of people need places to stay, and we’re able to provide furniture for them.”

Through partnerships with a variety of local grocers and producers, the nonprofit is offering food boxes every other week, plus milk on a weekly basis to those in need. Among those partnering with Purpose of God are Food Pride in Chocowinity, Save A Lot in Greenville, Billy Tarlton, with Grifton Mission Ministries, and Stancill’s Wild Game Processing in Ayden. The result is a weekly box of food for those in need, dubbed “Miracle Meals: Acts of God” by the center.

“We named them ‘Miracle Meals: Acts of God,’ because that’s what it was,” Jones said.

Milk is available at the Annex on East Sixth Street every Monday, and food boxes can be picked up every other Tuesday at the Share Shop location at 541 Havens St.

That’s on top of the ministry’s weekly Share Shop, which offers free clothing, furniture and household items for people in need. Every Tuesday, the Share Shop opens its doors at 10 a.m.

“A lot of people have found a place to channel their spring cleaning stuff or things from family members who have passed,” Jones said.

Those wishing to donate items for the Share Shop, who are interested in volunteer opportunities or who wish to make a donation to the Purpose of God Annex can contact the nonprofit at 252-974-1484.