April 25, 2011… Last weekend reinforced the many blessings that Christian Action Ministries (CAM) receives from the community – and beyond!

Executive Director Pat Davis explained that the bounty began to flow with a phone call from Minooka, Illinois.  “The Minooka High School Marching Band was coming to Branson and wanted to do something to help after the tornado.  They had selected CAM as the recipient based upon investigation of charities on the internet.  Upon arriving, the band’s trailer pulled into CAM’s parking lot and unloaded 600 pounds of food, 125 pounds of non-food items, and a donation of $630.  Everything had been raised by the band prior to their trip to Branson.”

Perhaps the most touching moment came when 9 year old Claire Wescott of Branson arrived with 93 pounds of food.  Her parents had planned a party for her 9^th birthday and Claire had a special request.  She asked her friends not to bring her any presents, but to bring food items for donation to CAM instead.  Pat Davis said, “It was one of life’s most touching moments and reinforces the commitment the younger generation has to charity and service.”

Vanity Fair is a local retailer that also wanted to do something for tornado victims, particularly since many of the areas where they have stores were impacted by the Spring storms in the midwest.  Lisa Stoops, store manager, was happy to present Pat Davis with $25 clothing vouchers totalling $500 for distribution to those in need.  Plus Soles 4 Souls, a Tennessee-based charity, also shipped out 200 pairs of shoes for distribution to people who need help after the tornado.

The weekend also saw the Dutton Family Theater support CAM with two area appreciation nights featuring the Duttons and George Dyer.  Local residents were given free admission with a donation to CAM, resulting in the collection of 895 pounds of food and $362.

The final blessing was another collection and delivery of 431 pounds of food from OTC Sife.

Pat Davis exclaimed, “It continually amazes me at the generousity of this community.  This support enables us to continue serving those in need and has also allowed us to recently increase the 3-day food supply which we distribute to a 4-day supply.”

Christian Action Ministries operates food pantries in Branson and Forsyth, as well as a monthly mobile outreach to eastern Taney County communities.  CAM is currently serving an average of 1,000 families per month.  Anyone wishing to organize a food drive, donate cash, food, or time, can call Pat Davis at 334-1157 or visit the CAM website at www.christianactionministries.org.