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Archive - Article 32
Operation Compassion Makes A Difference In Appalachia
2/11/02
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People waiting
outside for Appalachia Dream Center Hot Meal Program to open.
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The purpose of Operation Compassion starting a Dream Center in
the poverty stricken area of Appalachia was to make a difference
in the lives of senior adults, single parents, children and the
homeless. Less than one year after the dedication of the Appalachia
Dream Center, it can be said that a difference is bring made. During
past ten months, Appalachia Dream Center, under the direction of
Michael C. Hartwell, has made a definite impact upon the people
of rural West Virginia.
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People waiting
in line inside the Dream Center to be served their hot meal.
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Much as been written about the flood that hit the area hard last
July. Appalachia Dream Center was first to respond even before the
state government! The tireless efforts of Michael Hartwell and his
staff, mostly volunteers, made the difference in the survival of
a number of families and the restoration of their homes.
Articles have been written heralding the Merry Christmas Appalachia
program the past year. Over 2,500 families were impacted by the
Dream Center in just a couple of days. Many families were blessed
that would have been without any gifts for Christmas.
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A father
and his baby waiting to receive their hot meal.
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However, the program that has had the greatest impact on the region
is the hot meals. For the last several months, Appalachia Dream
Center has been producing and serving more than 700 meals each week.
Most of these meals, each week, are going to feed children hot breakfast
before school and a hot dinner before going home in the afternoon
and senior adults that are able to come to the Center. A large number
of these meals are delivered to the homes of senior adults that
are shut-in or unable to come to the Center and delivered to homeless
individuals sleeping under bridges or vacant buildings. In some
instances, these homeless are families with children sleeping anywhere
they can night after night.
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Three volunteer
workers serving hot meals.
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The cafeteria located in the Appalachia Dream Center can accommodate
approximately 500 people seated at one time. There is plenty of
room for people to come and relax as they are served their meal
from one of ten volunteers. Each day, at least ten volunteers show
at the Dream Center to prepare all the meals for the day. Then those
same volunteers begin to serve everyone that comes to the Center
that day. Michael Hartwell stated, “The volunteers are the
backbone of our operation. Without them, there is no way I could
do all the work it takes.” Hartwell continued, “The
dedication of my people goes beyond wanting to help; these volunteers
are here because they love each senior or children that comes in
the door.”
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Michael Hartwell,
Coordinator of Appalachia Dream Center (center) with four
volunteer workers ready to unload truck full of food for Hot
Meal Program.
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Currently, the volunteer staff is comprised of senior adults and
church members from the local church – Verdunville Church
of God. However, recently the Appalachia Dream Center was awarded
a Community State Worker, paid by the state of West Virginia, to
help alongside the volunteers. The possibility also exists for the
center to receive more help from community state workers as it grows
in volume of service rendered to the community.
Operation Compassion started with a dream of building a center
of hope and help for a region of the U.S. that was sinking in poverty
– Appalachia. With a heart to help the hurting of this world,
John D. Nichols, President of Operation Compassion, put into motion
a plan to initiate what is now known as Appalachia Dream Center.
David Lorency, International Field Director of Operation Compassion,
developed the logistical components and organized the opening operation
of the Center and Michael Hartwell serves as the Coordinator of
daily operations. Because the efforts of these men and countless
volunteers, it can be said that Appalachia Dream Center is making
a difference!
Tim Burdashaw
Communications Coordinator
John D. Nichols, President
Operation Compassion
Anyone interested in donating finances or products or providing
a corporate lead may contact:
Operation Compassion
David Lorency, International Field Director
114 Stuart Road, NE
Suite 370
Cleveland, TN 37312
423.728.3932 - Office
423.596.4200 - Fax
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