The Lake Waccamaw Lions Club honored four community organizations during their June 16 meeting held at the Morton Conference Center on the Boys and Girls Homes of North Carolina Farm.
Club President Richard Speight presented checks to representatives of Lake Waccamaw EMS, Lake Waccamaw Fire Department, Lake Waccamaw Food Ministry, and Boys and Girls Homes of North Carolina.
“The Lake Waccamaw Lions Club was instrumental in the creation of Lake Waccamaw EMS,” said EMS Chief Shannon Worrell. “We are all here for one reason, to make the community better.”
Worrell shared that the donation would be put toward the handheld sonar to assist in lake rescue and recovery efforts.
“One of our goals at the Lake Waccamaw Fire Department is to make partnerships around the Lake and one of those organizations is the Lions Club,” said Fire Chief Brandy Nance.
Sylvia Patton accepted the donation on behalf of the Lake Waccamaw Food Ministry.
“Our food ministry has operated for 10 years and started with four groups,” said Patton. “It shows that church groups can work together to have good outcomes. We don’t consider those who use our services as clients. They are neighbors in need. It is a good fellowship.”
The final presentation was to BGHNC and was accepted by BGHNC President/CEO Ricky Creech.
“We are indeed citizens of this community,” said Creech. “We’re a nonprofit where every donation counts. We are passionate about community service and want to instill a spirit of community service in youth as well. We truly appreciate the willingness to partner with the community.”
The evening also provided an opportunity for connection as opportunities for BGHNC youth to volunteer with each of the organizations were presented.
“We are adding an independent living program and we plan to integrate more of these kinds of opportunities into that program,” said Creech.
About Boys and Girls Homes of North Carolina
Boys and Girls Homes of North Carolina, Inc., has been helping children since 1954. Since then, more than 7,500 children have benefitted from the services of the not-for-profit, 501(c)3 agency. Its mission is to provide a comprehensive array of services for children and youth who have been removed from their homes due to abuse, neglect or other family dysfunction. BGHNC offers adoption, family and therapeutic foster care, Success Coach services to prevent children from coming into foster care, and free children’s therapy, as well as residential care on the campus at Lake Waccamaw. The campus features a SACS-accredited school with a middle and high school curriculum, vocational education, recreation facilities, farm, chapel and cottage life. As many as 320 children are cared for through the residential, community-based services, and school program provided by BGHNC at any given time. BGHNC operates its program, services and activities in compliance with federal nondiscrimination laws. BGHNC is nationally accredited by the Council on Accreditation.
