BLYTHEWOOD – Blythewood’s Christian Assistance Bridge offers different kinds of emergency help year ‘round to families who are having a hard time. That help can take the form of assistance with emergency car repairs so the client can get to work; help in resolving an issue with a landlord, fixing a leak that’s driving the client’s water bill to unsustainable levels, purchasing a bed for a related child they’re taking in through the foster care system, or helping with fees that enable a family to move from a motel room into an apartment.
With Thanksgiving around the corner, however, CAB will be stepping up its game to help families have a warm house and food on the table during a holiday that finds most families enjoying feasts and fellowship and making happy memories with friends and loved ones.
“We need extra food supplies during this time of year as the holidays approach and appreciate any donations from the community,” says Kate Williams, executive director of Christian Assistance Bridge (CAB).
The organization is a joint effort of about 15 local churches that’s been open for roughly a decade.
Williams says that at this time of year, many in the community think of doing things for others and she said she hopes families, churches and other groups will think of giving a Thanksgiving meal to a family who would not otherwise have one.
Items that CAB most needs right now are rice and beans, peanut butter and jelly, spaghetti sauce and pasta, hearty soups, canned fruit and all canned or dry goods, and holiday foods.
Managed by one part-time staff member and more than two dozen volunteers CAB receives most of its funding from local churches and private donations – everything from excess garden produce to canned goods to anonymous cash donations earmarked for a specific purpose.
More information about CAB can be accessed online at http://christianassistancebridge.com or by phone at (803) 786-1903. CAB is located at 126 Blythewood Road.
Here’s What You Can Do To Help CAB
For those looking to donate, food donations are definitely high on the list of needs. Christian Assistance Bridge has given out more than 65,000 pounds of food so far this year
CAB always needs more volunteer counselors to assist with things like budgeting, identifying resources for clients, and simply providing a listening ear.
No skill or experience is required for volunteers. All necessary training is provided.