The Committee on Church Cooperation (CCC) is reaching out for additional support to help it meet a growing demand for services it offers to poor families.

Sue Grumbir, special event coordinator, reports the following: “The number of individuals needing emergency grocery assistance through the CCC Food Pantry has increase 62 percent over the past year, Food For The Soul Soup Kitchen has grown by 16 percent and the number of emergency prescriptions has surged by 33 per cent.”

“These are just some of the basic needs that are on the rise as more and more individuals and families face economic challenges,” Grumbir pointed out. “Along with the growing need for assistance comes increases operating costs that CCC incurs in order to provide the essential basic living assistance to those in need.”

The non-profit centralized church ministry is celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2013. The CCC helps rebuild lives by providing emergency and short-term assistance to those in need in the name of Jesus Christ.

“Many of those asking for assistance are facing an economic crisis for the first time in their lives,” Grumbie stated.

The soup kitchen was established in 2009, serving 30 meals per week. Presently, it is open on Mondays and Thursdays serving more than 300 hot meals each day. The food is prepared and served by volunteers.

In recognition of its 40th year of service in Morgan County, the CCC will be holding celebratory activities in October. The event will culminate Sat., Nov. 2, with an anniversary celebration and benefit at Decatur County Club.

CCC accepts donations of clothing, furniture, appliances, food, linens and household items. Donors can drive up to the donation side door and receive help in unloading their items. Individual and local businesses can call 256-355-8893 and request a pick up for items they are unable to deliver themselves. There is an urgent need for furniture at this time. Everything is needed and appreciated. All financial assistance and donations are tax deductible. Organizations and companies can also consider having a food drive to help stock the food pantry Church and other groups can consider sponsoring a soup kitchen. New volunteers are always welcome in all areas.

Current needs of the CCC include a new roof, walk-in freezer and a standard freezer and refrigerator. You can keep up with the immediate needs of CCC by liking them on Facebook. For more information, visit the CCC at 119 1st Ave NE, or given them a call.