A young man came into the Church and Community Program on Court Street dripping wet from a summer storm. He was perhaps twenty-two years old and taking the bus to a single-room apartment that Social Services had arranged, but he had no food. The Director told him to pick out some dry clothes to change into while she hunted for food that he'd be able to keep cold and cook, and she put it all together with the Care on the Go bag that has a can opener, plastic dishes and basic hygiene items. She wished it could be so much more, but it's what he could carry and what the CCP could provide. He thanked her sincerely, saying what a big help CCP was.

Another man came to CCP who was experiencing homelessness. He was sleeping outside with his dog and cooking over a campfire. He was polite but wary, subdued and clearly sad. He said he didn’t feel safe where he had been living so he’s camping out now, trying to figure out his next plan. He turned his hands palms up. He had a working man’s hands -- strong, with some scars and a memory of dirt in the creases. What pleased him the most was a big bag of dog food that he was given. His dog is his family and all he has. Now he can feed him better.

In 1974, the members of our church were very concerned about the limited access many people in our community have to the essentials for living and helped to form the CCP. For the past 48 years, this collaborative project has served residents living in the towns of Canton, Hermon, Clare, DeKalb, Lisbon and Russell, and the villages of Rensselaer Falls, Richville and Heuvelton. The CCP currently serves about 200 families/households a month with new clients and emergency food requests coming in each week. Many of our members are active volunteers (thank you!), and more would be welcomed. They take donations year round.

The entire cash offering we collect at the Holiday Pageant on December 18 and at the Christmas Eve Candlelight Service will go directly to support this vital program. The Holiday Appeal is our congregation’s main financial contribution to CCP. The needs this year are great, but with our collective efforts, we can ensure that persons in greatest need will get the help they seek. If you are not able to attend the Pageant or Christmas Eve please generously support the CCP by sending a check to the church with ‘Holiday Appeal’ in the memo or donate online by clicking the button below.

In peace, 

The Rev. James Galasinski