GFWC of NC SWC October 2024 Meeting

The General Federation of Women’s Clubs of North Carolina (GFWC of NC) Statesville Woman’s Club recently held their October meeting and welcomed guest speaker Rev. Dr. Clyde Parker, Executive Director of Matthew 25 Ministries in Harmony along with his wife Angela.

It was 13 years ago that Matthew 25 Ministries was formed in Harmony by a number of local ministers to help those in need in the northern end of Iredell County. From the start helping those who needed food, Matthew 25 Ministries has grown to be one of few food banks that gives away meat, helps with clothing and assists with bills.

Rev. Parker shared the brokenness of the individuals that come to Matthew 25 Ministries and the importance of not judging them as they may be experiencing a rough patch due to circumstances beyond their control. Matthew 25 Ministries is a beacon of opportunity to help those who are in need in the northern end of Iredell County. They believe in prayer, devotion, food and fellowship.

In September the ministries helped 325 families, a 30 percent increase from last year, with 1,700 pounds of food distributed. To help personalize the needs of those they serve Matthew 25 Ministries has a ticket system in place matching quantities of food to their needs. In addition to helping those in Iredell County and surrounding counties, Matthew 25 Ministries also goes out of state by partnering with an under parched county in West

Virginia. They delivered 40,000 pounds of pork to the community in West Virginia in September.

Thanks to a recent grant from Duke Energy for $67,000.00 Matthew 25 Ministries was able to help 57 people after they committed to taking a finance class. Recently, they were able to purchase a mobile home and have been able to assist a family. In the thrift store every piece of clothing is sorted by a team of volunteers then laundered before making it into thrift store.

Those who are in need or want to help can reach out to Matthew 25 Ministries by calling 704-546-5889. They are located at 3223 Harmony Highway in Harmony next to the IGA grocery store. They also host a community breakfast the second Tuesday of every month.

During October the Statesville Woman’s Club is hosting a clothing drive to help support Matthew 25 Ministries’ thrift store that is available to the public.

The next club meeting will be held on Thursday, November 7, 2024 at the historic clubhouse located at 515 West End Avenue. There will be a time of Social Fellowship at 5:30 p.m. and Meeting at 6:00 p.m. The meeting will be a fun time assembling Christmas cards for local seniors and Veterans. All members, guests and interested women are invited to attend.

For information about renting the GFWC of NC Statesville Woman’s Club’s Clubhouse for your meeting or event, email the club at Statesvillewomansclub@gmail.com or call 704-761-8208. The club website is www.statesvillewomansclub.org. Also, be sure to like and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. For details on joining the GFWC of NC Statesville Woman’s Club, please contact Membership Team member Joanna Gaither at 704-873-2684.