Community Chest Spotlight: Community Action Committee

The 2013-14 Sewanee Community Chest Fund Drive is underway. The power of the people helping people makes a difference in the life of the community. Sponsored by the Sewanee Civic Association, the Community Chest raises money yearly for local charitable organizations serving the area. This year’s goal is $108,000. To date, 53 percent of the goal has been reached.

This week we shine the spotlight on the Community Action Committee.

The CAC is Otey Parish’s primary outreach ministry, and has been in existence for more than 39 years. The mission of the CAC is to provide assistance to persons in crisis; to provide services related to basic human needs; and to identify ways to break the cycle of poverty and need. The CAC director and volunteers serve more than 75 families. Some families regularly receive food and financial assistance, while others receive only occasional support.

The CAC is requesting $15,000 to help support its mission and continue its work among the poorest of the poor in the community. The needs are great and there is not other organization or agency that provides the services and safety net for the poor, hungry and oppressed. CAC provides food, and also assistance for utilities, medical, dental, housing, and educational needs.

The CAC does receive other income from the community, including businesses, Otey Parish, grants, and individuals. Its expenses totaled more than $36,000 from January to July 2013.

The goal of the Sewanee Community Chest is to help citizens by funding the community. The Community Chest is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, and donations are tax-deductible. Send your donation to Sewanee Community Chest, P.O. Box 99, Sewanee, TN 37375.

We also accept PayPal for donations.