June 3, 2009 — Terry O'Roark, former Smithfield plant manager contacted Marsha McDavid, director of Carter County CAReS several weeks ago concerning the run. The two had met months prior and discussed having a motorcycle run to benefit the Kids BackPack Club. In the midst of O'Roark's up-coming transfer to Middlesboro, KY he wanted to continue with the plans to show his and the employees support. Bonnie Wilcox and Pat Sanders, along with other Smithfield employees, have created a KBPC display in the plant and had previously held a food drive so the employees were familiar with the program. The KBPC is a weekend food supplement program that Carter County CAReS offers at the discretion of the family resource centers. O'Roark stated, "Within thirty seconds Marsha had my heart when she started talking about the kids and that some were going hungry.”
According to McDavid, people don't realize that in Carter County many children go to bed hungry and some don't get a lot of food during the weekend, sometimes none at all. “With the caring people of Carter County it makes our efforts of supplying food to the children a lot easier,” McDavid said. “We appreciate Smithfield so much for their support as well as other area bikers and groups that came out.”
CCC officially opened April 09 but has been working behind the scenes since March 08. The Kids BackPack Club is the most concentrated of programs.
“We have distributed 800 bags of food to children within Carter County since Jan 09,” McDavid said.
CCC is a non-profit agency that makes referrals to other agencies and provides additional direct services as funding allows such as RX assistance, home repairs for the elderly and disabled, utility assistance, family budgeting, emergency food and tobacco cessation classes. “Our intent is to partner with other agencies to help build a self-reliant community. We are strategically planning other programs and will keep the community up-dated as they become available,” McDavid said.
Forty-six bikes with numerous riders made the run to Greenup Locks and Dam and worked their way back to Crossroads, a new church pastored by Chris Binion, located in Olive Hill. Volunteers from Globe Christian Church assisted Crossroads in hosting a cookout. Pastor Chris explained to the bikers how Crossroads goal was to accept everyone as they are without judging and to share with them the love of Jesus.
“We'd also like to thank our additional sponsors for supporting us including Ruperts, James Family Outfitters, Kmart, Haymart, Dyer’s Big Sandy, Floyd Fruits and Flowers,” McDavid said.
She added that she was amazed when some bikers had to leave before the ride got started due to previous engagements and some mechanical concerns but stated they just wanted to come down and show their support whether they could make the run or not. They said they liked what we were doing for the kids.
Eddie Adams, Smithfield employee, stated that positive comments continue to come in by other employees. They felt that everything ran smooth and was well organized for the first time and that they are excited for our next ride. Eddie and his wife Jean hosted and helped organize the event. They are volunteers and friends of McDavid. They both are always willing to help others out.
“We thank everyone for coming out and supporting CCC and the Kids BackPack Club and are looking forward to seeing everyone again next year or our next ride which ever comes first,” McDavid said.
Anyone is eligible to become a Kids BackPack Club sponsor for a tax-deductible donation of $10 a month. Send donations to: Carter County CAReS, PO Box 1139 Grayson, KY 41143.
For additional information or volunteer opportunities please contact Marsha @ 316-3503, 474-0313 or cartercountycares@yahoo.com or Vicki Gilbert @ 474-5464.
