Dear editor,

The 2nd Annual “Stock the Shelves” fundraiser for the Christian Outreach Alliance Food Pantry was a big success. Once again the citizens of Selma and Dallas County opened their hearts and showed their compassion with their donations of food items and money. More than one ton of food and $1,600 in monetary donations were received.

The Selma Times-Journal’s articles and Alexander Broadcasting’s interview with one of our volunteers created interest from many people. Randy Williams of WHBB’s Viewpoint gave numerous announcements and helped generate interest.  Automotive Excitement made an eye-catching banner we used on site. Three Beta Club members from Dallas County High School shared their time and energies with us. Jeff Harrison, new executive director of the Selma Area Food Bank, volunteered for several hours. I am sure there were others who aided our organization and helped to make the day successful, not to mention all of our volunteers who worked from daylight to sundown to give a personal thank you for each donation.

The real heroes of the day were all the donors. Valley Grande, Brantley, Martin Middle and Leika’s schools held canned food drives. Organizations, churches and individuals all cared about our cause and gave. Several other schools are still running their canned food drives, which will culminate in November.

One of our volunteers made the statement that it did not matter how small or how large the donation was, it was more than what we had and that is very true.

Words are woefully inadequate to sufficiently say thank you but, because of the generosity of so many, we will have an easier time this holiday season.

In December we will celebrate our 20th anniversary of helping feed Selma and Dallas County.  Please keep this mission in your prayers and continue to support us.

 

Miller Childers

Selma