March 26, 2007

Sardis Volunteers Delivering Meals
For Over a Quarter Century

 

This article appeared in the April 1-14 edition of the Sardis Presbyterian Church Communicator,
 a biweekly church bulletin. Reprinted with permission.

"A smile and a warm nutritious meal mean so much to a homebound recipient of Friendship Trays. Sardis Church supports programs like Friendship Trays through financial donations and the volunteer work of church members.

"Sara Sellers and Mary Ellen Thomas know firsthand what joy programs like Friendship Trays bring to recipients. For the past 26 years one or the other of these two Sardis members has delivered meals to homebound Friendship Trays recipients every single Monday! Mary Ellen began in 1981, and Sara in 1991. The two rotate delivering the Monday meals.

"Talking to Sara, one quickly realizes that the homebound recipients on the ladies' route give as much as they receive. Sara reflected on a 90-year-old woman who, even in the face of illness and lack of mobility, expressed no bitterness but said merely, 'you do the best you can on the day you have.'

"Sara and Mary Ellen also look forward to seeing two elderly sisters from Cuba who "always send their blessings when then receive their meals."

Summer substitutes needed

"There are 8-12 stops on the Monday route. Summer substitutes are needed so that Mary Ellen and Sara can have a much deserved vacation. This is a wonderful volunteer opportunity for mothers and their children to take advantage of over the summer.

Sardis Support for Friendship Trays

"Sardis Presbyterian Church supports Friendship Trays in several ways. The 5-Cents a Meal offering provides financial support for local food programs such as Friendship Trays. Lucy Bush Carter, Executive Director of Friendship Trays of Charlotte, says that this offering is crucial. In addition to financial support and help from volunteers like Sara and Mary Ellen, Sardis Deacons deliver meals biweekly after the Sunday worship service.

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"To find out more about Friendship Trays or to volunteer as a summer substitute, contact Ann Davis, Volunteer Coordinator, in the church office at 704-366-1854."