MOUNTAIN AREA — In the busy days leading up to Christmas on Sunday, Dec. 25, we invite readers to join in celebrating twelve local nonprofits and the people behind them who are making a difference.
For our seventh day, we look at the The Friendship Circle of Grace Community Church, whose members endeavor to uphold the worth and dignity of every individual and seek to serve persons of all races, creeds, national origins, sexual orientations, political viewpoints, and ethnic origins.
Day #7 Friendship Circle of Grace Community Church
- What is it? The Friendship Circle started in 1968 as a women’s fellowship with a purpose of service to the church. When the mill laid off some workers, the women asked members to donate things they no longer needed which were to be given to anyone who needed such items. Folks seemed to feel better about accepting things if they paid a small sum for them, and the thrift shop came into being.
- Who’s behind it? From that small beginning, the Friendship Circle has evolved into a group of men and women (volunteers at the Thrift Shop and members of Grace Community Church) who provide financial help to the church and to many community organizations.
- Website. http://gccuccnf.org/
- Why we love it. They Friendship Circle donates funds from the thrift shop and Christmas Bazaar. Recent include music and drama program at North Fork School; storyteller assemblies at North Fork and Spring Valley Schools; Sheriff’s Department canine unit “Deputy Dog”; summer reading program at the North Fork Library; summer program at the Rec. Center (North Fork Boosters); science camp programs at North Fork School; North Fork Boosters Christmas party for the children; AED (Automated External Defibrillator) for North Fork Town Hall; North Fork Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary; Mt. Oaks High School; North Fork School Destination Imagination Team; Sierra Mono Museum; and Toys for Tots.
All proceeds from the Friendship Circle’s booth at the Christmas Bazaar go to provide the food for the annual Christmas Basket food give away at Grace Community Church. Anyone who would like to contribute financially to help feed North Fork is asked to contact Sandy Chaille at (559) 877-7796.
