Our Local Relief Fund is used when a member of the Greenville community has run out of options for themselves and their family and must turn to nonprofits and churches for assistance. While several line items from our general Missions budget go to support the local work of nonprofits like United Ministries, we as a church also engage in direct relief and benevolence on a case-by-case basis. Just since May, we have received 60 requests from individuals and families in need. Recent examples include covering a power bill for a family whose electricity was close to being shut off, assistance with rent to prevent an impending eviction, and a grocery order for a family struggling to provide. I oversee this account, along with Theresa Marchi, Kay Hardage and Pam Kenney-McIntyre. When the decision whether to provide assistance or not isn’t straightforward, I am quick to consult with other members of the pastoral staff and trusted nonprofit leaders.
In addition, First Baptist also addresses food insecurity through our Mission Backpack Ministry, which provides weekend food bags for children in Greenville County schools. We are currently serving 98 children weekly at three different schools. This is an increase in volume, which, along with the rising costs of food, has pressed our 100% donation driven budget. In order to continue to provide food and other assistance to these families, your help is needed.
Ways you can support Local Relief and Mission Backpack:
- Bring applesauce to the church’s front office collection area to help supplement Mission Backpack’s supply.
- Be a shopper, a packer (monthly), or a deliverer (monthly) for Mission Backpack.
- Join the Local Relief Council. We meet about once every six weeks.
Support these ministries financially by donating online (use this QR code) and selecting Local Relief and/or Mission Backpack from the drop-down menu.
—Matt