Basic needs being met through new ministry

Providing basic needs to those in the community she loves came to Christi Wenger in a dream.

Wenger, a native of Cliffside, created BASICS - Brothers and Sisters in Christ Serving. The ministry, which is based in Cliffside across from Broad River Area Medical, serves the communities of Cliffside, Henrietta, Avondale and Caroleen. Those communities once thrived, she said, and were hit particularly hard when the textile plants that supported them shut down.

Wenger shared her dream with her parents, Barry and Judy Yelton, who contacted Janice and Marc Swing about utilizing a building they own. The Swings were on board with the ministry as well, and BASICS held a yard sale that raised $2,000. With that money the ministry started a food pantry. From there, the service to the community snowballed with 99 families being served.

"There have been people who have come for help that I know," Wenger said. "I think it really shows that anyone can fall on hard times."

Knowing there are children and adults in the area who are going without their basic needs being met - food and clothing - is heartbreaking to Wenger.

"No one should be hungry, especially not in my hometown," she said.

The ministry is about more than just giving away food and clothing, Wenger added. Each family who comes for assistance receives a Bible as well.

"We really want to form relationships," she said.

During the summer months the ministry hosted a weekly Bible Club for children.

"Our theme was 'Super Heroes of the Bible,' and we included a snack - it was like a mini vacation Bible school," Wenger said.

BASICS Thrift Store opened earlier this month with household, clothing and other items. Wenger, who is a self-professed lover of thrift stores and yard sales, said the store fits in with revitalizing the community. All aspects of the ministry are volunteer led.

If you would like to support BASICS Ministry, donations may be mailed to P.O. Box 207, Cliffside, NC 28024. Donations are tax deductible. Food giveaways are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3 to 6 p.m., and more information on hours can be found by following Basics Christian Ministries Inc. on Facebook.