Inside the Friendly Community Center, Charles Strickland watched fellow senior citizens enjoy a hot meal and receive nutrition tips at the same time.
The Friendly Trio Community Development Corporation recently hosted a meal for seniors in the community. It is something the organization likes to do twice a year. As the president, it brings Strickland joy. Chairwoman Jacqueline Howard feels the same way. Meals were also distributed to people unable to attend.
The mission of the organization is to unite the community through strength, support and service. Food is distributed every third Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Friendly Community Center, 75 Hanson Road, Clinton. Volunteers fill bags with fruits, vegetables and dairy products.
“We’re trying to use every avenue we can to broaden our scope,” Strickland said of the organization, whose goal is to help with assisted living and nutrition. “We have a great working body.”
It began a little over a decade ago. The residents of Butler Court was one of the first groups served. Strickland wanted to start the program after learning about a resident’s unfortunate situation. She was without food for three days.
“This is the beginning, we got some other things in the works,” Howard said about 2017 and beyond.
Another idea includes grief counseling for seniors and participants in the program. The idea is to have four 1 hour sessions.
“We’re doing a lot of things, so we’re excited,”she said.
The Friendly Trio Community Development Corporation receives assistance from United Way of Sampson County and North Carolina Cooperative Extension of Sampson County. During the meal, Extension Agent Sydney Johnson made a presentation about nutrition and picking the right food to members of various churches in the area.
“We’re trying to tap into all the resources that we can,” Howard said.
After Hurricane Matthew, 154 dinners were distributed to Clinton Crossing and Clinton Courtyard. Strickland said the group enjoys helping people throughout the year.