To the Editor:

I would like to use this opportunity to thank all of the Franklin, Southampton and Isle of Wight churches, local organizations and individuals who donated canned food, clothing and monetary donations to us for over 20 years. Each and every one of you has been so generous with your gifts.

One of our past directors wrote in our newsletter about how community support is so important to an organization likes ours. 

“We would not be able to assist as many families as we do without the continued support of the Franklin/Southampton/Isle of Wight communities. Support is not always financial (as important as that is) but involvement through supporting our food pantry, clothes closet and volunteering your precious time to help those who are less fortunate in their time of need.”

This statement says so much about our community and the people who live here.

We would like to say an extra thank you to Madison who came in with her father and gave us $10. She had $6 and her friend gave her $4. Also, the 13-year-old who had a birthday party and asked for no gifts, but to bring canned food to give to Franklin Cooperative Ministry. The local Boy and Girl Scouts and their leaders who have done large food drives for us; local residents of our area who bring in paper products, diapers, cleaning supplies, clothes, food and items for hygiene kits.

I thank the 50-plus volunteers who give their time and energy to unpack, and put away food, sort and hang clothes for our bi-monthly clothing giveaway. We saw an average of 30 to 70 clients at each of these giveaways last year.

We have given out over 1,100 bags of food so far this year to those in need.

We have been blessed to have clients who needed our assistance and, in return, come by every week to help in any way that is needed.

A special thanks to all the wonderful, professional staff at our local Social Services, Health Department, Western Tidewater Mental Health, Salvation Army, Up Center, Senior Services, Franklin Housing and Redevelopment, pharmacies, Southampton Memorial Hospital, physicians, dentists, Western Tidewater Free Clinic in Suffolk Main Street, Ivor Medical Clinic, Franklin Utility, Dominion Power, Community and Mecklenburg Electric, Red Cross, Genieve Shelter, Veterans Outreach Program, Habitat for Humanity, I-Ride and many others who have always been willing to help me by answering my questions and trying to assist in working out a solution to help the client.

I will be retiring from FCM on Sept. 29. I am excited about my next new adventure in life, but will truly miss all the individuals that I have been so blessed to have known as being director at FCM.

A special shout-out to the angels of FCM: Sallie and George Wood, Donna Sauerbier for being outstanding co-workers, who are always willing to do any chore that may be needed. 

Franklin Cooperative Ministry is so blessed by all that you do for us and we would like to thank you again for  your donations, and your time, helping us to continue to meet the emergency needs of the residents of Franklin, Southampton County and southern IOW County.

Veronica F. Ferguson,
Retired Director of Franklin Cooperative Ministry