A Book of My Own

As March comes to an end, these are the last few days to give to A Book of My Own. Access to books in the home is critical to reading success. More than 60,000 students in the Charlotte area have less than ten books in their homes. Please help us provide books for Rama Road students to read over the summer vacation. Through A Book of My Own, Sardis purchases books recommended by the Rama staff. Each student gets to pick exciting new books to have for their very own to read over the summer. The number of books they get to pick depends on how much we raise. Any amount helps us. Won’t you help by giving online, or by check made out to Sardis Presbyterian Church with ABOMO on the memo line?

Families Forward Charlotte Child Watch Volunteers

Are you available for 3 hours a month? FFC organizes educational workshops to support their participants, and they are looking for volunteers to provide child watch services. By doing so, we can make our workshops accessible for families who may not otherwise have the opportunity to attend.

Most of the workshops take place on Tuesday evenings and Saturday mornings. You'll work under the supervision of a childcare professional and play an essential role in helping provide quality education and support to families in need. This is a great way to get your entire family involved - teens can help and younger children can participate!

Take a look at the available slots to see how you can get involved (there is a one time $19 background check cost to volunteer for childcare).

Families Forward Charlotte Assembly Volunteers

Are you handy? Then FFC needs you at the Program Center! FFC is in need of help hanging things, assembling desks and chairs, and more! Email FFC if you have some time to commit.

Room In The Inn

Sardis is overjoyed to be back serving our homeless neighbors two nights a week - helping them get off the streets and into a warm bed with some time of hospitality over meals from our Sardis family. You really stepped up to the call this year, Sardis. Roof Above reports that neighbors request to be assigned to Sardis. Is it because of members like Jim Hollern, who brought joy and comfort to our homeless neighbors this season by playing the piano during social time? Maybe it is because of members who came together to throw a Super Bowl party, or a St. Patrick's Day party and feast complete with decorations, banners, costumes, and gifts for the children who call Sardis their home for two nights a week during the RITI season?

Whatever it is that makes our RITI neighbors feel at home at Sardis, we hope to continue the momentum! With the excitement of this success we want to begin planning for next year. While it takes many volunteers, we especially need 3 additional Team Leaders for next year. Read more about what it means to be a Team Leader here. Please contact Kay Taylor or Sallie Crossley with any questions or interest in becoming a team leader.

Rama Road Beautification Day

Rama beautification day was a success with over 40 people attending. We spread lots of pine straw and mulch and picked up numerous bags of sticks, leaves and other yard debris at the school. It was wonderful to see so many Rama families attending. The coffee and doughnuts provided by Sardis were appreciated by all!

On Saturday, March 11, Sardis supported a Families Forward Charlotte workshop. 15 Sardis members (and their children) prepared lunches for adults and children in the Family Success Program, and while the adults attended a workshop, the children were cared for by our Sardis team, along with the FFC childcare coordinator. The children participated in a craft, a beautiful story time, along with lots of games. It was such a wonderful experience for everyone! Vicky Hovis said of the experience, "I’ve been associated with FFC through Sardis for a few years. I have advocated for them during Mission Meetings, worked to get Sardis members to serve as liaisons, helped transport furniture, packed backpacks, and coordinated the Essential Basket Drive for 4 years.  But, March 11, was the first time I had the opportunity to meet and interact with the families from the Family Success Program for any length of time. It was a wonderful experience. Talking with the parents and playing with the children just makes the work of FFC come alive and have such meaning.  Their work is more important to me now more than ever. I hope we can build more relationships with the families through work such as March 11."

"Within moments my heart expanded, and my family grew by 40. I wish it hadn’t been my first time to the family reunion. I left with a full heart and belly. Can't wait to attend again!" Emily Simpson said of her time bonding with the children and meeting some of the Family Success Program adults.

Bayonnais, Haiti Student Sponsorships

On Sunday, March 12, we held a Student Sponsorship Drive for the ICB School in Bayonnais, Haiti. Thank you to the seven new sponsors! These students, and the 78 students already sponsored by Sardis, are so grateful for your love and support. If you are interested in learning more about the ICB School or Bayonnais, please contact Brenda McKay. If you are ready to sponsor a student, please click here to learn more and to choose a student to sponsor.