The NFCC
e-Express
People Helping People to Help Themselves
 November 15, 2007
It's almost Thanksgiving and NFCC is Giving Thanks

I am always amazed by the power of the press and the internet. On October 24 the Neighbor Newspapers ran a front page photo and story about the EMPTY shelves at the North Fulton Community Charities' Food Pantry. Over the previous weeks our Pantry supplies had been seriously depleted at the same time more residents than usual were applying for food assistance. Donations could not keep up with the demand. Our Pantry had little more than cans of corn and green beans to offer local families in need.

Our friends and neighbors heard the call and opened their cupboards and their hearts. The telephones rang and e-mails flew with the question, "How can I help?" You shopped, held food drives and donated funds to NFCC to purchase food. Food arrived by the bag, by the case, by the truck. Cars lined up, faster than we could unload them, to donate food supplies.

Thank You" to all of our north Fulton neighbors for responding to our plea in such an incredible way.

Yes, food is back on the shelves at NFCC. But don't stop now! Please keep it coming. Many local families are counting on NFCC and you as they struggle to provide basic necessities for their family.

Thanksgiving is next week and with your help, NFCC will be able to provide bags of food along with a grocery store certificate to over 1,000 families registered for our Holiday Program.

Thanks for letting NFCC into your busy day.

Barbara Duffy

 
Partners of the Year

Corporate Partner of the Year: Pieper O'Brien Herr architects have provided pro bono professional services throughout our transition and move to Elkins Road in 2005, in the re-design of our Volunteer Suite this year and as Project Manager for our CDBG funded projects including the repair and resurfacing of our roof which is in progress this week. Accepting the award from NFCC President Mario Lizaso and Barbara Duffy are Jeff Pieper (far right in photo) and Johnny Hembree of Pieper OBrien Herr.

Civic Partner of the Year: Country Club of Roswell Women's Golf Association was recognized for their many years of support for NFCC through a charity Golf Tournament in July. This year's Grip, Rip and Score tournament raised $17,000 for NFCC. Accepting the award from Board Chair Mario Lizaso and Barbara Duffy is Winanne Sutherland (left) and Vicky Connelly, this year's event co-chairs, and Kathy Swahn of KKS Solutions who helped with the tournament.

Faith Partner of the Year: Roswell United Methodist Church is one of NFCC's founding churches and has been an active supporter and champion throughout our 24 years. Throughout the year RUMC provides volunteers by the score, "Get Your Cans to Church" food drives, Holiday Program and special projects along with monthly sustaining funds. Accepting the award from Board President Mario Lizaso and Barbara Duffy is Associate Pastor Nancy Folsom Lane.

Volunteer of the Year: Larry Whaley has been volunteering with NFCC for over 10 years. Larry works the Thrift Shop and is easily talked into delivering furniture items for client customers. Every week he loads up his pickup truck with day-old bread and sweets and personally delivers to 40 residents in Roswell Public Housing who cannot get up to NFCC. Affectionately known to all the volunteers as "John Wayne", Larry offers a cola and "sweet attack" to volunteers. Barbara Duffy surprised Larry with this award.

 
Meet Our Neighbor
Caseworker Ruth DeAlba writes: Ellen came in to pick up food today and approached me in the lobby. During our conversation we discussed her pregnancy and her emotional status. Doctors told the couple that her blood results do not look good and there is a high chance that the baby girl will be born with Down Syndrome. They are people of faith and are getting prepared mentally and emotionally to welcome the new family member. Also I learned that her husband has worked for the same company for a number of years but hasn't received a paycheck in over a month. He knows he will be paid and when he is they can solve the mortgage problem and pay other bills. Then Ellen told me the only thing she has in her food pantry was "anemic" crackers and only butter in the refrigerator. At the time NFCC's food pantry was "anemic" also. I agreed to help with a $75 check to Kroger for additional food.

 
NFCC Families Warm Up!

Saturday October 27 dawned early. It was NFCC's Warm Coat Day at Waller Park in Roswell. By 8:30am there were over 100 families waiting in line. The first woman in line said she arrived at 3:30 a.m. Can you imagine standing in line for 5 hours for a used jacket? We had a good supply of coats and wonderful volunteers, including large groups from St Peter Chanel Catholic Church, Young Men's Service League, Blessed Trinity School, Roswell Presbyterian and National Charity League. Volunteer Coordinator Karen Rupp did a great job of organizing the event. We served 240 families before noon and distributed well over 1,400 coats. In addition this year we had over 400 hand knitted or crocheted hats and mittens made by Nimble Fingers that were a real hit with the families. Families who could not attend the event are using their coat vouchers in the Thrift Shop.

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Holiday Program

Thanksgiving food is being collected this week. Volunteers will be receiving, sorting and packing food for families on Saturday, November 17 from 9am to 2pm. All kinds of nonperishable food is needed. Grocery store gift cards in $10 and $20 amounts are also needed. Over 1,000 local families are eligible to pick up Thanksgiving food and a grocery store voucher to purchase a turkey and fresh food on Monday, November 21.

Christmas: Sponsors are still needed for families for Christmas. Along with sponsors we need new toys for the Santa Shop, especially items for infants and teenagers.

You can read more about the program and register on line to sponsor, donate or volunteer at www.nfcchelp.org/holidays. E-mail Holiday Coordinator Debra Winter at holiday@nfcchelp.org
 
GET & Harry's Helps NFCC
Georgia Ensemble Theater and Harry's Whole Foods has joined together to help fill NFCC's food pantry. Georgia Ensemble Theater is selling re-usable grocery bags during their current production of Seasons Greetings. All moneys collected will be used to purchase food at Harry's at wholesale cost. What a great way to help NFCC and save the environment at the same time. Thanks Georgia Ensemble Theater!

In This Issue
NFCC Families Warm Up!
Meet Our Neighbor
Partners of the Year
NFCC Families Warm Up!
Holiday Program
Volunteer of the Month: Our Students
GET & Harry's Helps NFCC
NFCC Thrift Shop Hours
Pickup Available for Your Larger Donations
More about NFCC
Tax Break for IRA Owners
 

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Quick Links
 
NFCC Thrift Shop Hours

NFCC Thrift Shop will be OPEN
Friday and Saturday after Thanksgdiving
10 AM - 5 PM

Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Weekdays 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m Tuesday open until 7:30 p.m.

Great shopping bargains! Extended Volunteer Opportunities and Donation Drop-Off hours.

 
Pickup Available for Your Larger Donations

NFCC's truck is available to pick up your gently used furniture and working appliances. We cannot accept built-in appliances, construction materials, waterbeds, swing sets or items in need of repair. Tax receipts given for all donations. To schedule, call Phil Hodges @ 770-640-0399.

 
More about NFCC

To arrange for a speaker, handouts, video, display board, etc. contact Barbara Duffy at bduffy@nfcchelp.org

 
NFCC Wish List

Volunteers for the Office,
Pantry, Holiday & Thrift Shop

Rice, dry beans, cereal, tuna, canned meat, peanut butter,pasta & sauce, mac & cheese, canned fruit, single serve foods, baby diapers (Lg & Ex-Lg), soap, toiletries, maternity clothes, large size adult clothing, linens, kitchen items

Working Automobiles Warm Jackets & Coats

 
Tax Break for IRA Owners

An IRA owner, age 70 1/2 or over, can directly transfer tax-free, up to $100,000 per year to an eligible charitable organization. This option is only open until December 31, 2007. For more information on this IRA rollover provision, contact your accountant or bduffy@nfcchelp.org.

Our Mission
North Fulton Community Charities' mission is to prevent homelessness in North Fulton by supporting families in their homes during short-term emergencies. By pooling the resources of local religious, business and civic groups and individuals, NFCC assists families with rent, utilities, transportation, food, clothing, medicine and other basic needs. NFCC also coordinates special assistance to families during the holidays and matches volunteers with projects.
 
Contact Information

For more information about North Fulton Community Charities please contact:

Barbara Duffy
Executive Director
North Fulton Community Charities
11270 Elkins Road
Roswell, GA 30076
Phone: 770-640-0399
Fax: 770-640-9220
Email: bduffy@nfcchelp.org