“Do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” – – Hebrews 13:15 Sky-Vue skaters did not forget to share.
The true Chiefs on professional football’s most exciting day were skaters who sought the welfare of their community by lavishly donating food staples to combat hunger. Sky-Vue Skateland’s promotion was to offer free admission when three items were gifted. Coach Denise Watkins displayed a heart of kindness and compassion with an initial food drive at her Edgecombe roller skating rink. Yet, the real CHAMPIONS of Souper Bowl Sunday are the fundamentally decent area residents who showed mercy to their hungry neighbors.
Over 90% of the day’s skaters donated. These openhanded sportsmen wore Riedell skates moving on a maple floor. Most gave more than the required three items. “The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor” (Proverbs 22:9)
Several people drove up, presented stuffed grocery bags, then departed without skating. There were no strings attached to their generous support. $25 in cash was presented by skaters who were unaware of Sky-Vue’s food collection. Food banks prefer monetary donations. The cash amount donated by skaters will provide 75 meals to hungry folks receiving food at a distribution center.
Those who have organized a food drive understand that offerings of ramen and Vienna sausage can be plentiful. Yet, twin country skaters are truly CHAMPS for they led by example. Gifts of inexpensive products were few. Notice the multitude of well-known name brand items. By gifting food which people prefer eating, neighbors with food insecurity are treated with dignity and respect.
Skaters provided availability of nutritionally adequate food. This is of utmost importance to people with neither medical insurance nor funds for doctor visits. Thus, food insecure neighbors are given an opportunity to avoid chronic diet-related illnesses, such as diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. They are empowered to make healthy choices and dietary changes.
Take note of the stellar example of twin county skaters who are CHAMPIONS for they present a case study in how to contribute in ways that are useful and proper. Food drives not only provide the food needed by our hungry neighbors but also create a connection between donors and the people they are helping. “The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor.” (Proverbs 22:9)
Donations of preserved food were made to an Edgecombe Baptist church, near the rink, that serves families in severe need. The food pantry of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, in Nash, is a community-based nonprofit that directly distributes food. Thus, all items will feed local neighbors. When the skater’s donations were placed in St. Andrew’s pantry, the number of shelved items immediately increased by 30%. Donating four pack cans of vegetables is wise stewardship on the part of skaters. Plus, having multiple cans of the same product available enables a food bank to easily distribute equal portions to all.
St, Andrews Food Pantry is open three days a week. Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and Wednesdays from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Andrew enters the Gospel story as a disciple of John the Baptist. Thus, this earnest fisherman became the first apostle of Jesus. Skaters shared the same trait for immediately they responded to SkyVue’s request by eagerly donating. Andrew, who spent much time with Paul, undoubtedly understood these words of his fellow follower, “Only, they asked us to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do.” (Galatians 2:10) Andrew was bound to an X-shaped cross as seen in the artwork. He did not wish to be martyred on the same designed cross as his Lord.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is the largest anti-hunger program in the US. The most recent economic data reveals 16,928 SNAP recipients in Edgecombe, 18,928 in Nash. Children in the twin counties will go to bed hungry tonight. Higher rents and utility costs have squeezed our neighbors. Current inflation, higher food prices, and minimum wage jobs have increased pressure on parents to provide for their households.
Thank you Guest Blogger Knox “Buddy” Porter, a Rocky Mount High ’72 graduate, confirmed in the former Christ Episcopal Church that was on the corner of Fairview and Bedford roads. From 1970 – ’72, he was a leader in the Diocesan Youth Commission. Knox has sought the welfare of every community he has lived in since that year.Feeding the hungry is one of his passions. Thank you for all you do to support Rocky Mount, NC.
As a member of St. Andrews, we are thankful for the generosity of all involved at Sky-vue. As for Denise, she is my hero, and the participants in the food drive are heroes too.
Main Street Rocky Mount 