Because of your generosity in giving to the iCare campaign, we recently gave a donation in the amount of $25,ooo to the Norcross Co-op, one of our close partners in local ministry. They were truly grateful. Executive Director Shirley Cabe expressed that gratitude in the following letter, which is addressed to you:

Dear Pastors, leaders and members of Victory World Church:

On behalf of the Norcross Cooperative Ministry Board of Directors, staff, volunteers and clients, thank you so much for your recent donation of $25,000 from the iCare offering. This awesome blessing will help many families in our community who are struggling to make ends meet.

Over the last few months, we have experienced a 30% increase in the number of our client visits. Gwinnett County has just released eviction/foreclosure numbers for 2008 = 37,983 families. Currently we are serving over 1,100 families per month. Many of these families have never come to us for help before. Your donation will be used to help these families with basic needs: food, help with utility bill payments, rental assistance and temporary lodging for our homeless families with children.

Thank you again for your donation and your continued support of the outreach and ministries of Norcross Cooperative Ministry. Please continue to pray for our clients, this community and the staff and volunteers of Norcross Co-op. Working together we can transform this community, one family at a time.

In Christ,

Shirley Cabe

One of the most practical ways we can demonstrate what community looks like is to share with those in need. So, in conjunction with This Is What Community Looks Like, we held our semi-annual food drive for the Norcross Co-op on September 13th and 14th. What a great opportunity to show God’s love by pulling together as a church and providing food for families in our community.

Hundreds of our members gave of their time and resources, both by volunteering to help with the collection and by donating bags of food. Shirley Cabe, Director of the Norcross Co-op, wrote:

Dear Victory Family,

On behalf of the Norcross Cooperative Ministry Board, staff, volunteers and clients, thank you so much for your recent food drive. VWC members donated 525 bags of food. This food will help many families in our community. Again, thank you for your donations and your support.

Blessings,

Shirley Cabe