CULLMAN, Ala. – Northbrook Baptist Church has, for a long time, maintained an outreach called The Caring Center at 1629 Second Ave. NW (Highway 31) in Cullman, to meet community needs.
The church says of this ministry, “The Caring Center is the local mission arm of Northbrook Baptist Church. We believe our call is to the less fortunate of Cullman and Cullman County.
“We attempt to do this by introducing all others to the love and lifestyle of Jesus Christ. All Others include those who are both young and old, sick and disabled, cold and hungry, the discouraged and the disengaged. All Others include those who have a relationship with Jesus Christ and those who do not.
“We also believe in doing ministry the way our Savior taught by showing compassion to people in need. In doing so, we are building relationships with the families we serve, being an example in both deed and word, and living our ministry in a very personal way.”
Northbrook Pastor Keith Warden reported to The Tribune on Wednesday that The Caring Center has been quite busy of late, saying, “We’re serving anywhere from 25 to 30 families every Tuesday and Thursday, providing food for them at The Caring Center; they come by and pick it up. That’s pretty much what we do all the time, year-round, but we’ve continued to be able to do it thus far.”
The Caring Center typically provides both food and clothing, but is only able to distribute food at this time. Warden reported that the center’s food stocks are holding up, but donations are always welcome. High demand items include:
- Canned foods and nonperishable food items
- Prepared fruit and pudding cups
- Snacks such as chips, crackers, fruit boxes, single serving drinks, single serve cookies, granola bars, snack cakes
- Soap and shampoo
Donations can be dropped off at The Caring Place or at Northbrook Baptist Church, 3691 Alabama Highway 157 in Cullman.
Warden said of The Caring Center’s staff and volunteers, “We run that with volunteers every week, and they’re soldiers. I mean they work hard and, especially in the middle of all of this, with all the extra precautions that they have to take, it’s been so encouraging to still see them show up every week and show love for people. And so, I’m so thankful for them and for how much they love this community, and care about the ones that are most vulnerable in times like this. And so, yeah, they’re doing a great job.
“That’s been going on for a long time, and I’m really thankful. And we’re blessed that we’re able to continue doing it, even through all this.”
The Caring Center
1629 2nd Ave. NW (Highway 31) in Cullman
Tuesdays 9-11:30 a.m.
Thursdays 5:30-7 p.m.
New clients will need to bring a photo ID, and will be asked to complete an application which will include the name and social security number of each person in the household, as well as the income and expenses of each person in the household.
If you are in need of help or if you want to help, email coordinator Nicky Monk at caringcenter@northbrookbc.com or call 256-734-6401.
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