Pastor Dickie Spargo, a pastor at City Church in Gastonia, and his church raised $23,000 to pay off school lunch debt, providing aid to struggling families.
Dickie Spargo has been running programs aimed at providing aid to children who require clothing, housing or a family through various programs, including their Foster and Adoption Ministry and Hope Closet
Hope Closet
Spargo’s church started the “Hope Closet” program a few years ago, which provides clothing for children in schools who are displaced or require new shoes. Spargo has recently found out about the increasing number of children whose school lunch accounts remained unpaid. From a news article he learned that families in Gaston County owed a total of $13,000 in school lunch debt.
Community Outreach
In response to this situation, Spargo and his congregation decided to take action. They began by sharing the news with their church community and made a donation. In less than two weeks, the church raised $23,000, which exceeded their expectations. The pastor was excited. “What a great opportunity to bless these kids,” he told his congregation after delivering the check.
Elimination of School Lunch Debt
The money raised by the church has been donated to the local schools and will be used to pay off the school lunch debt for the current year, with any remaining funds going towards the debt for the next school year. Spargo learned that the schools are making efforts to reach out to parents to encourage them to apply for the “free or reduced lunch program.”
Positive Impact on Communities
Through their donation, Spargo and his congregation have not only provided help for struggling families but also highlighted that with compassion and collective effort, positive change is possible. Spargo and his church’s actions provide an inspiring example of how individuals and communities can make a positive impact on the lives of those in need.
