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Family Care Center Thrift Store & Food Bank volunteer workers.
CENTRE, Ala. - Rising food prices, soaring inflation, and increased energy costs seem to be creating a firestorm for Cherokee County residents coping with food insecurity.
“We are serving new clients every week and seeing many former clients return,” said Cindy McGinnis, director of the Family Care Center. “Our food distribution days have not only seen an increase in the need for food, but also clothing and other assistance.”
Founded by Todd and Cindy McGinnis, The Family Care Center Thrift Store and Food Bank is a needs-meeting organization that has served Cherokee County since 2008. Family Care Center provides food, clothing, and other assistance to people facing economic challenges.
Family Care Center was born out of the McGinnis family’s desire to help their neighbors.
Years of owning and operating a convenience store allowed them to encounter many people struggling to put food on the table and meet basic needs. Todd and Cindy, along with their three daughters, started the Family Care Center to distribute free food to the hungry, but soon realized the financial constraints of serving a community as large as Cherokee County. The solution...the thrift store.
The Thrift Store, located in the same building as the Food Bank, helps provide the funds needed to feed the community. Gently used items are donated and, in turn, sold in the thrift store. The proceeds are used to support a multitude of community needs. Family Care Center also receives financial support from various local businesses, churches, and Cherokee County residents.
“Community support is vital to our mission,” McGinnis commented. “We simply could not do this without it.”
In addition to providing food and clothing, Family Care Center has funded building projects such as wheelchair ramps for seniors, a fully accessible bathroom, and a tiny house that will bring independence to a disabled adult.
Financially, the days ahead will be difficult for many in Cherokee County. Senior citizens, disabled people, and those with fixed incomes will be the hardest hit. However, people in need can always turn to the Family Care Center.
“We are confident that despite the challenges ahead, we will be able to continue to meet the increasing needs of our community thanks to the love and support we receive from the people of Cherokee County,” declared McGinnis. “We are blessed to live where neighbors are willing to help neighbors.”
To learn more, donate, or volunteer, visit www.familycarefoodbank.com or on Facebook and Instagram.
About Family Care Center Thrift Store and Food Bank
Family Care Center Thrift Store and Food Bank is a private, 501(c)(3), charitable organization located at 1470 West Main Street, Centre, AL 35960. Founded in 2008, Family Care Center Thrift Store and Food Bank provide food, clothing, and additional assistance to residents of Cherokee County, Ala. Through the generosity of donations, gifts, and grants, we seek to meet needs, serve others, and change lives.