Feeding those in need on Christmas Day 2008:
Cynthia Pinckney of Cynthia Pinckney Ministries took a moment to reflect on these trying times.

"I think this going to be a tough year, tougher than normal, because we are dealing with more homelessness, more joblessness," said Pinckney, pictured with her husband, Leroy, at the Boys & Girls Club in Brandon. "I've been doing my ministry in Brandon for five years and this is the worst I've ever seen it."

People who do have jobs, she added, are seeing their hours and wages cut. Moreover, people who could depend on temporary day jobs are seeing even those jobs being cut back or held open for the more educated, career professional who also is out of work. In the past, people in addition to food reached out for clothes, toiletries and household supplies, but now the need overwhelmingly is food - just food - and especially on breaks from school. "Some of our families are being helped by the school lunch program," which gives a free breakfast and lunch to the needy, Pinckney said, "but what do they do for dinner or over the holidays when school is not in session?"

Increasingly so, Pinckney said, "our homeless are really in trouble. Before they could work daily and get paid. Now, they might be working one day per week."

Brandon, though, will rise to the occasion, as it always does, Pinckney said. "I'm seeing more of an outppouring of support from the community than I've ever seen," she said. Area churches, she noted, instead of sending resources to missionaries in other states or countries "are giving more to the smaller communities right here at home."

The increase in support, with the hope that it continues, is a good thing Pinckney said, "but it's still a drop in the bucket and the need is becoming even greater."

As for ministry work, Pinckney had this to offer for those wishing to extend themselves beyond volunteerism and making donations. "This is work," she said. "This is sacrifice. Before you start on this journey you need to make up your mind that this is something you will persevere at until the end."

In ministry, Pinckney said, "your hands will be dirty for a lifetime."

Related News/Photo Galleries:
Fifth Annual Community Thanksgiving Day Dinner hosted by Cynthia Pinckney Ministries at the Brandon Boys & Girls Club
I Am Hope Cafe Hosts Open House; Mission Is To Feed And Assist The Homeless Back To Self-Sufficiency
National Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive Hits Home At Echo (May 10, 2008)
Feeding The Homeless, Cynthia Pinckney Ministries (Thanksgiving 2007)

Feeding those in need on Christmas Day 2008:
Cynthia Pinckney of Cynthia Pinckney Ministries took a moment to reflect on these trying times.

"I think this going to be a tough year, tougher than normal, because we are dealing with more homelessness, more joblessness," said Pinckney, pictured with her husband, Leroy, at the Boys & Girls Club in Brandon. "I've been doing my ministry in Brandon for five years and this is the worst I've ever seen it."

People who do have jobs, she added, are seeing their hours and wages cut. Moreover, people who could depend on temporary day jobs are seeing even those jobs being cut back or held open for the more educated, career professional who also is out of work. In the past, people in addition to food reached out for clothes, toiletries and household supplies, but now the need overwhelmingly is food - just food - and especially on breaks from school. "Some of our families are being helped by the school lunch program," which gives a free breakfast and lunch to the needy, Pinckney said, "but what do they do for dinner or over the holidays when school is not in session?"

Increasingly so, Pinckney said, "our homeless are really in trouble. Before they could work daily and get paid. Now, they might be working one day per week."

Brandon, though, will rise to the occasion, as it always does, Pinckney said. "I'm seeing more of an outppouring of support from the community than I've ever seen," she said. Area churches, she noted, instead of sending resources to missionaries in other states or countries "are giving more to the smaller communities right here at home."

The increase in support, with the hope that it continues, is a good thing Pinckney said, "but it's still a drop in the bucket and the need is becoming even greater."

As for ministry work, Pinckney had this to offer for those wishing to extend themselves beyond volunteerism and making donations. "This is work," she said. "This is sacrifice. Before you start on this journey you need to make up your mind that this is something you will persevere at until the end."

In ministry, Pinckney said, "your hands will be dirty for a lifetime."

Related News/Photo Galleries:
Fifth Annual Community Thanksgiving Day Dinner hosted by Cynthia Pinckney Ministries at the Brandon Boys & Girls Club
I Am Hope Cafe Hosts Open House; Mission Is To Feed And Assist The Homeless Back To Self-Sufficiency
National Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive Hits Home At Echo (May 10, 2008)
Feeding The Homeless, Cynthia Pinckney Ministries (Thanksgiving 2007)