For our big Thanksgiving project this year, we collected enough food for 10 families in Johnson City to have a complete Thanksgiving meal.  Our baskets each included a turkey, several cans vegetables, stuffing mix, potato flakes, rolls, 2 liter drinks, a pie and a Bible.  After we collected all of our food, we delivered our baskets directly to the recipient families at their homes.  Everyone was very thankful and thrilled to be receiving a meal they could prepare for their family on Thanksgiving, which wouldn’t have been possible otherwise.  We did this activity through Good Samaratin Ministries.

On November 15th, the BCS team rang bells for the Salvation Army at all locations at the mall and at 2 grocery stores.  It was a cold night, but we all had a lot of fun and collected money for a great cause – to provide clothing, food and toys to nearly 33 million Americans in need each year at Christmas time.  

Members of BCS helped serve meals at Coalition 4 Kids this week.  It was very rewarding to be able to interact with the kids served there every day. 

Coalition has a great impact on the Johnson City community by providing free afterschool programs for kids ages 6-12.  The Coalition program includes time for doing homework and assistance, play time, activity time, and snacks and meals.  Coalition also provides preventative programs for violence and substance abuse.  The staff of Coalition includes professional tutors and counselors as well as volunteers.

Cardiovascular disease kills 1 in 3 Americans, according to the American Heart Association, the beneficiary of the Tri-Cities Heart Walk.  Over $110,000 was raised this year to fight heart disease by research, community outreach and education.  This year, the Tri-Cities Heart Walk experienced an 80% increase in fundraising.