‘Team work makes the dream work’ at the Christian Service Center

Within the last few weeks, the Christian Service Center has received an outpouring of support from the Abbeville Community. A new rotation of volunteers who are ready to help provide hot lunches as well as local business and individuals looking to give during this Holiday Season.
The Giant Omelette Festival Fun Walk/5K Run generated support needed for kitchen supplies and funds for temporary shelter for individuals experiencing homelessness for various reasons. In addition to our participants, sponsors from this event included: Snap Fitness, Abbeville General, Thriftway Pharmacy, Bank of Abbeville, Gulf Coast Bank, Abbeville Building & Loan, Bank of Erath, Edward Jones, Kiwanis Club, Omega Protein, and Sherriff Mike Couvillion.
New supportors include: Mula’s Pharmacy, Brasseux’s Hardware, Cayanne Crossfit and Slingin’ Ink Printing and Promotions.
Last week, the Knights of Columbus donated turkeys to families in the celebration of Thanksgiving. Gulf Coast Bank had a special in office fundraiser to help the CSC with needed supplies and ingredients for hot lunches served. In addition, Slingin’ Ink donated 8 aprons with the new Christian Service Center logo. “The City of Abbeville really knows how to come and work together, it’s sincerely a blessing to be a part of this community” said Director Marcelo Davis. “As we often say or even chant around here ’Team Work Makes the Dream Work’.
In addition, St. Alphonsus Confirmation class with 43 Confirmation Candidates, along with their leadership team, joined the Christian Service Center in a day of service as they prepare for Confirmation. “I just felt the presence of God there at the Christian Service Center and it was wonderful for our teenagers to experience helping others.” says Janet Bares, adult volunteer from St. Alphonsus Church.
With teary eyes and a grateful heart, one of the CSC’s regular volunteers Ms. Christine Hopkins shared, “I couldn’t believe how hard the teens worked, they scrubbed with a smile and worked really hard. It was encouraging to see young people so eager to serve”.
“Meaningful service is a win/win situation for the giver and the receiver. Sometimes we just need a little invitation and a reminder that we all actually have something to give. Sometimes a smile, a hug or a patient listening ear is the best way to give” says volunteer coordinator Kelli Davis.
The CSC will be celebrating 40 Years of Service to Vermilion Parish in 2017.
“Our hope is to continue to build up this community … together” says Kelli Davis. The Christian Service Center will host a Community Leader Gathering on Dec 8th at 6pm. Their goal is start a conversation about having a unified effort to serve those in need and build up the Abbeville community.
If you would like to learn more about this event or about the Christian Service Center, call 337-893-9756 or email cscabbeville@gmail.com.