Volunteering opportunities are available for the public with Appalachian Resource Ministries (ARM).
Tim Ross, board chairman of ARM, recently told the Elizabethton Star the facility is seeking volunteers to help with food distribution and other duties in and out of the facility.
“Each month, ARM gives a hand up to hundreds of Carter County families with food, clothing, housewares, a friendly face and a kind word,” Ross said. “ARM has a significant need for new volunteers who are willing to give a few hours of time each week to assist our fellow citizens.”
The need for volunteers ultimately lies with the fact the facility’s operations continue to grow, according to Ross. The chair added his 96-year-old month just recently stopped volunteering after helping the facility out for several years.
“It’s a great feeling,” he said about helping out. “We appreciate all of our volunteers that are still with the facility and that have assisted in the past. We encourage anybody that wants to help to come on by.”
ARM is a faith-based ministry that provides various essentials to citizens in need ranging from basic emergency necessitates, food, and identifying resources needed to help with life.
The facility provides services to 700-930 individuals within the community and has struck up many partnerships in and out of the region – even implementing food program for children.
“We partner with schools,” Ross said. “Elizabethton High School is right down the road, and so is T.A. Dugger. We appreciate all the help the students have provided over the years, whether it’s coming up with food and other items for donations to just lending their time to help out. Students can get their volunteer hours at the facility.”
Residents of all ages can offer their services, Ross said.
“We have a great office space,” he added. “There’s other opportunities to help besides just lifting boxes and other items. There’s bookkeeping, assisting with meetings or just being someone for somebody to talk to.”
ARM operates through donations from the public to service citizens in need. For more information on how to get involved, whether it’s for volunteering or providing donations, visit www.armfoodpantry.com, call (423) 542-0919 or stop by the Ministry office at 714 W C Street in Elizabethton.