NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Now in its fifth year, the First Congregational Church's "Share the Love" campaign returns to assist organizations aiding those in need in Northern Berkshire County.

 

"We live in a politically-charged environment in which many people, no matter their affiliation, feel powerless. One fact seems indisputable, however. Those who are disadvantaged in our society are becoming more so," said Linda Rhoads of the Missions Ministry. "First Congregational Church North Adams values the inherent dignity of every human being, and so we support each individual's right to food, housing, healthcare, and security. We cannot address every need. We are currently focused on supporting organizations that provide aid to those suffering a lack of food and housing."

 

Community members are encouraged to donate to the cause, and FCCNA will match 50 percent of all donations up to $10,000. Rhoads noted that the community has consistently stepped up each year, successfully meeting previous donation goals.

 

"We can't say enough about the support we have received," she said. "Whether it is reaching out to Share the Love's former donors, soliciting businesses to underwrite our Take a Chance on Love raffle to boost contributions to Share, or talking one-on-one to folks at our tabling events at Aubuchon Hardware and Stop & Shop, we have been fortified that community is at the heart of our life in this corner of the Commonwealth. We believe that we have only begun to tap the goodwill that sustains a vibrant community."

 

Returning this year is FCCNA's "Take a Chance on Love" raffle. For every $25 contributed, a donor’s name is entered into a drawing to win a prize from one of Northern Berkshire’s "big-hearted businesses."

 

All proceeds will be split among the Berkshire Food Project, Louison House, Greenagers at Many Forks Farm (a youth empowerment program), and the Al Nelson Friendship Center Food Pantry.

 

"The Missions Ministry of FCCNA had made a strategic decision before that time to focus its attention on two areas: food insecurity and youth empowerment," Rhoads said. "That focus has led us to support international organizations like World Central Kitchen and initiatives like education for displaced Syrian children. We are informed by the interests and recommendations of our congregation, and our congregation has also made it clear that it wants, first and foremost, to take care of those living in Northern Berkshire County."

 

Every year, Rhoads says the local need increases.

 

"Indeed, the poor will always be with us. Politicians, nonprofits, and people of faith have been struggling with that problem for centuries," she said. "Needs rise and fall as circumstances — biological, environmental, political, familial — shift, but persons who value the joys and commitments of community understand that we must all support one another as we individually and collectively weather our highs and lows. Unfortunately, the supply chains that support housing and food security are currently stressed, and so we are laser-focused on addressing that need at the present time. Again, unfortunately, we do not see that need diminishing in the foreseeable future."

 

Donations are being accepted through the month of February. To participate and be entered into the raffle, write a check to FCCNA with "Share" in the memo line and mail it to: FCCNA–Missions, 134 Main St., North Adams, MA 01247.

 

"On the surface, we are asking for money. Deeper down, we are asking that our most vulnerable populations become visible, that they be invited into community, as they are within the organizations that Share the Love supports — Berkshire Food Project, Louison House, the Al Nelson Friendship Center Food Pantry, and Greenagers," Rhoads said. "Building a better county (and country) for all people requires that all our neighbors be seen, heard, respected, valued, and supported. Let's do it."