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She said the program is a parish-based initiative to increase support for pregnant and parenting mothers and was implemented in Charlotte at St. Matthew's Catholic Church. She said her pastor at Christ the King is involved in that ministry and decided to assist mothers locally with a local program.
'This is our first store,' Buchanan said. 'We wanted to have one here closer to Cleveland County and Gaston County area.'
She said the store at St. Matthews serves about 120 people a month and is held the first Saturday of each month.
'A lot of places that help, you have to sign up, and they have requirements you have to meet and a lot of red tape,' Buchanan said.
Some local agencies require attending Bible studies in order to receive help.
Buchanan said they just want to serve mothers with no-strings-attached.
'No questions asked,' she said. 'It's honesty-based.'
She said they offer the women prayers and further assistance if requested.
The church plans to host the store monthly on the third Saturday of each month.
"We want to keep collecting on a regular basis,' she said. 'I want to get the word out. I've got lots of donations.'
Buchanan said they accept donations of baby clothes, baby items, car seats strollers and unopened, unexpired baby formula.
'My hope is that the work we do really helps to alleviate some of the burdens mothers carry to provide for their children,' she said. 'Most importantly, I want the mothers in our community all over the world to know they are thought of and are constantly prayed for. I want them to know they don't have to do it all alone. We do what we do because we love to serve, so please let us walk with you.'"
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