By Marilyn Miller
If you can pay your utility bill, you probably don’t need UCAP. If you have food on your shelves and clothes in your closets, you don’t need UCAP. Paid your rent this month? You don’t need UCAP. However, if you are a transient, and your car breaks down…better call them, mid-day or middle of the night!
The United Christian Assistance Program (UCAP) has been serving the needs of Minden’s disadvantaged citizens for 40 years, since a team of volunteers led by Mrs. Gladys Hair adopted the acronym, the program, and its mission: Providing area residents with emergency assistance services, including clothing, household items, food and utility or rent assistance. Help to stranded transients is also available.
One of UCAP’s largest fundraisers, the 36th annual “Hungerfest and Dessert Auction” took place Thursday, April 4, 2024 at the Minden First Methodist Church. Featuring auctioneers Tracy Campbell, Tommy Davis and Kevin McCann, the sale brought in $15,600, which will help meet the program’s $70,000 yearly budget.
Table sponsors in 2024 were Shaffer, Branch & McDaniel, CPAs; Mike Spillers Furniture, Lakeview #1, Lakeview #2, Robert Moorehead, and Friends of UCAP.
“Hungerfest” workers this year included Janet Ash, Jerry Ketchell, Linda Simmons, Margie Wallace, Marsha Watts, Melinda West, Karen Yates, Mary Seney (soup-maker), Sandra Moorehead, and Melanie Parks.
In 2023, UCAP helped those in need with….$59,368 in utility assistance, $2,200 in rent assistance, $1,195 in emergency lodging, $136 for transportation services, 1,173 orders of food, and 1,062 orders of clothing.
Charlotte A. Jones is director of the non-profit. Officers are Dan Shidiskis, president; Mary Seney, secretary; Kevin McCann, treasurer; Tommy Davis, board of directors; and Charlotte Jones, board of directors.
Volunteers who handle the front desk, greetings and data entry are Norma Bullock, Robert Clark, Lois Crochet, Sandra Moorehead, Linda Rogers, Mary Seney, Linda Simmons, and Charlotte Jones.
Food orders are handled by Larry Brown, Mark Carver, Steve Cooper, Lois Crochet, Tommy Davis, Jerry Ketchell, Kevin McCann and Jim and Margie Wallace. Clothing handlers are Parilee Anderson, Bobbye Hawkins, Shelli Quayhagen, and Linda Simmons. Deliveries are taken care of by Jewelyn Hawkins, Kevin McCann, and James Quayhagen.
Donations are welcome at UCAP any Wednesday at their Miller Street offices and pantry. For more information, contact UCAP at 318-377-6804.
