"As a partner for the Lord, then I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle, be patient bearing with on another in love." Ephesians 4:1-2
"He who is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and He will reward him for what he has done." Proverbs 19:17
Our surrounding communities
The Community Lighthouse and the House of Blessing continue to provide a critical service to Lakewood and the surrounding communities. The epidemic of food insecure families is rising with each passing day. On a monthly basis we see all the familiar faces of those that rely on the House of Blessings for food supplements. But evermore we are seeing an increase in new faces. New faces of the people that are feeling the devastating effects of the economy on their households. New faces of people who have to step out of their comfort zone and ask for help. In December of 2010 Community Lighthouse helped provide food for 472 households. What is most disturbing about this number is to know that 830 children in our own community made up the bulk of those recipients.
Who didn’t wake up last Saturday morning, look in the mirror and vow to shed a couple of pounds in the upcoming year? For many Americans, the new year offers a resetting of good intentions, and weight loss is often up there at the top of the list. USA.gov states that Americans also want to do more to help out those in need. Well, we have a great way for you to fulfill two resolutions in just a few clicks. Over the last three years,NBC’s The Biggest Loser and General Mills have helped Americans in need through the Pound for Pound Challenge. For each pound of weight loss pledged at the Pound for Pound website, General Mills will donate a pound of food to your local food bank.
As part of the Community Block Grant (CBG) funding program; each year the Lakewood Township Council supports local charities in their mission to serve the community. On 21 September 2010 representatives from Community Lighthouse joined a host of other local charities and received generously from Mayor Langert and the CBG committee. Community Lighthouse will use the funding to make much needed improvements in the House of Blessing facility. These funds are being used to help add 600 sqft of work area and food storage space to the pantry. The food pantry is open 5 days a week and serves nearly 500 families a month. During these trying economic times the need is greater than ever before to help those in need.
