— Given hard economic times and several key plant closings in the community, Limestone County Churches Involved has become a much-needed resource providing emergency food, general assistance and Christian counseling to the families and individuals of Limestone County.

LCCI will have a volunteer training day from 9 a.m. until noon Saturday in the LCCI office at 201 North Jefferson St.

“The training will consist of brief exposure to the various work areas including reception, the new computer system, food bank and distribution, general assistance interviewing, Christian witnessing and other opportunities to support our mission,” said board President Tere Richardson. “This will provide anyone interested in giving back to the community, through a Christian ministry, an opportunity to look at each volunteer role and choose the one best suited for them.”

Open every day from 9-11 a.m., Monday through Friday, the compassionate and caring all-volunteer staff is dedicated to helping those in need and sharing God’s love with others.

The Food Pantry has grown to become one of Athens and Limestone County’s primary sources of food for the needy of the community. LCCI provided more than 3,200 sets (9,600 bags) of food in 2009 with 4,000 sets (12,000 bags) projected for 2010.

Approximately, two-thirds of the food distributed comes in the form of donated food items from churches, schools, businesses, social clubs and individuals. The remaining one-third is purchased by using monetary donations from churches and other sources, such as businesses, social clubs and individuals.

The General Assistance program helps with utilities, housing, medical and gasoline. Counseling is provided by a trained staff for individuals seeking general assistance. Counseling includes help in budgeting, information on other possible assistance programs and, most importantly, Christian compassion and encouragement.

LCCI is a mission-driven organization.

“Our mission is to mobilize the churches of Limestone County to transform lives and communities in the name of Christ through providing a prayerful and organized approach to meeting the physical needs of individuals within our community,” said Richardson.

LCCI has 36 member churches, up from 19 member churches two years ago. Member churches represent most of the denominations in Limestone County, as well as non-denominational and independent ministries. They include Southern Baptist, United Methodist, Church of Christ, Roman Catholic, Church of God, Presbyterian, Christian, Episcopal and Assembly of God.

“Back in 2003, a few local ministers had a vision for a central location to help others,” said New Life Assembly pastor Rob Phraner. “LCCI was dormant for years and there was a growing need to help those in need. We knew we could do more working together than by ourselves. We also recognized it would bring glory to God and be a witness to everyone in our community to see so many different denominations working together. We decided to apply for incorporation as a non-profit organization in 2004.

“Ministers George Dudley, Terry Jackson, Phillip Presley, Sam Hobson, Jeremy Lucas and I were on the first board of directors, along with Dana Waldrop. It was recorded by Probate Judge Mike Davis in January 2005. To watch the number of active LCCI churches grow from a few to over 30 is incredible.”

LCCI is governed by a board comprised of representatives from each member Church. LCCI receives oversight and spiritual guidance through Athens-Limestone Ministerial Alliance.

LCCI has no paid staff or board members. Everything is accomplished with approximately 130 volunteers working directly in the facility, coordinated by a volunteer director, Don Stone, a retired minister.

Several ministers and ministerial students volunteer time as counselors, as well as lay people trained to interview. Other volunteer roles include receptionists, data entry, pantry volunteers, and food pick up. Some of the larger congregations provide enough volunteers to staff the entire facility one day per week. Other churches choose to encourage individuals to volunteer as they have availability.

These volunteers are extremely important to LCCI’s ministry. Many other individuals throughout Limestone County collect and transport food from local churches. School children hold food drives, business leaders collect food items, and monetary and in-kind donations also play a vital role.

As Pastor Keith Williams from Finished Work Ministries explains, “God supplies all our needs, but he does it through people.”

Assistance is need in three areas:

• Prayer partners, people who will agree with us to continue to be successful in helping the people with needs in this county;

• Financial supporters, it takes money to accomplish good intentions;

• Hands-on-helpers, people who feel compassion, to be a part of LCCI, from office/pantry staff, to donors and more.

In addition, LCCI is looking forward to the holiday season and have many ideas for events and opportunities to bring the Athens-Limestone church community together, including young people, and make a positive outreach. Any youth pastors or club sponsors that would like to meet to discuss joining LCCI in its efforts, please call board Vice President Becky Rogers at the LCCI office at 970-443-7305.