Page 20 - Wilkes County NCG 2023

Faith in

Community

There is an amazing amount of support for
those in need in Wilkes County and beyond.

By Lydia Cobb
According to Anchor Ridge, the poverty rate for children under the age of
18 is approximately 60 percent in some Appalachian communities.

N onprofit groups, churches, and
government services are in place
in Wilkes County to assist people
with healthy nutrition, to be clothed,
housed, and lifted from poverty.

Anchor Ridge focuses
on Appalachia
Anchor Ridge in North Wilkesboro,
began in 2011 as Josh Paul Ministries. Josh
Paul organized an outreach event for locals
in the Appalachian Mountains – now called a
Block Party – where more than 200 people
came to receive supplies, groceries, and to
hear the Gospel.
The Appalachian Mountain region is one of
the most beautiful places on Earth, but for many
who live within its folds of hills and coves, the Organizing a Block Party is strategic.
region’s poverty is some of the most severe in Anchor Ridge researches potential locations by
the nation. talking with school principals and counselors in
“We currently serve about 600 families the area of interest. They prayerfully consider “The feeling is very overwhelming and
in Wilkes on a monthly basis,” said Andrew in which town the need is greatest, and send humbling to have that opportunity,” Sparks said
Sparks, vice president of Anchor Ridge. The flyers home with school kids in the selected about what it’s like to see a Block Party unfold.
30,000 square-foot event center operates for town. The whole community is invited. How can you and I help? Sparks said financial
families to receive items they need. Anchor Imagine two to three 18-wheelers coming gifts are important, but so too is volunteerism.
Ridge is set up to help in crises by distributing into town. Hundreds of people of all ages “It’s a great place to plug in to volunteer if
new furniture when housing is lost to disaster; gather for a day of hot meals, free haircuts, face you’re looking for a volunteer opportunity,” he
and weekly with food, clothing, shoes, and painting for kids, and the graceful distribution said. “Yes, it takes funds to operate, but it’s truly
volunteering your time, too.”
hygiene kits. of groceries, clothing, and supplies with the
Block Parties are now held about six times help of partnership organizations like Operation
a year in the focus areas of North Georgia, Blessing, World Vision, Feed the Children, and Anchor Ridge
1137 River Road Liberty Grove Rd.
East Tennessee, East Kentucky, Virginia, West local church and community groups. There is North Wilkesboro, NC 28659
Virginia, and here in North Carolina. also worship. (336) 818-0995 | anchorridge.org

16 Faith In Community Wilkes Chamber of Commerce