Greensboro, NC -- When the going gets tough, the tough get creative. That's how some local church volunteers are taking on bigger needs in a slumping economy.
Gwen Bader got her mom's crochet group involved in making hats for the homeless at Greensboro Urban Ministry. Another First Lutheran Church member cut fleece scarves to keep the homeless warm.
"We know that this year's been hit harder than ever," says Bader. "We all have a responsibility to pitch in where we can."
On the night WFMY News 2 visited, volunteers from Korean First Presbyterian Church cooked meals while the First Lutheran church band 'Grace Reigns Down' crooned.
Randy Townsend didn't want the music to stop. "I wanna keep on hearing... over and over," the homeless man said of the band's songs.
He put his new scarf and hat on right away. "It looks good on me," says Townsend. "I don't care how it look to somebody else, I love it."
Bader points out the economy is hitting closer to home when it comes to people in need. "It's not just a stranger anymore, it's the people sitting right next to us wherever we may be and we have to look at that right now and... open our eyes and meet those needs," says Bader.
The homemade delivery is something Bader hopes will become a tradition at her church. "A lot of us are just one paycheck away from needing someone to help us out," says Bader.
And the music keeps spirits bright amid rough times. For Townsend, it's a gift no one can take away.
"It's like putting joy into their lives, like they got another chance, they got a chance again, they can be somebody, they can live again," says Townsend.
You can pitch in to help neighbors in need with Operation Greensboro Cares. The group is responding to higher food and shelter demands linked to a slumping economy.
If you'd like to make a donation, you can call the United Way at 378-6600.
You can donate online at www.OperationGreensboroCares.org
The Operation accepts mailed donations at Post Office Box 14985 Greensboro, NC 27405.
WFMY News 2