About the CUOCLC

Our Purpose

The purpose of this organization is to:
"Provide basic needs of food, clothing or spiritual guidance as may be appropriate during crisis situations to residents of Lee County."

In February 2003, members of Jonesboro United Methodist Church clearly saw the need in the community for a food pantry and other services that would meet persons in crisis at their points of need; further, that this outreach could become a faith-based, cooperative effort among all churches of LeeCounty.

CUOCLC (Christians United Outreach Center of Lee County) received 501(c)(3) recognition by the IRS as a non-profit, tax-exempt charitable organization effective October 19, 2004. December 3, 2007, CUOCLC moved from its offices on Trade Street (in Jonesboro) to its present location,2885 Lee Avenue, a 12,000 sq. ft. facility.

CUOCLC grew from a client base of 150 households in 2004 to 9,308 households at the end of calendar 2015...and the client base continually grows (9,500 households as of May 2016). Well over 60 member churches and more than 120 businesses, organizations and groups currently support CUOCLC by providing volunteers, food, funds, and prayers.

During calendar 2015, CUOCLC distributed 454,972 pounds of food in 9,126 boxes. Financial-pledge assistance was provided to 250 client-households totaling $25,052.69— pledged primarily toward electric utilities and natural-gas bills. Over 369 households received free clothing and/or household items. Approximately 50 prom dresses were distributed to young women who otherwise could not have secured a prom dress.

CUOCLC serves persons at their point of emergency need during the following hours:

Mondays: 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Wednesdays: 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Fridays 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm

Board Members

Board members are elected for a three-year term and may serve two consecutive terms.

Class of 2016
Tommy C. Mann, Jr., Retired
Tina Gross, Co-Owner Gross Farms
Carla Barnes,   Harnett County Schools, Secretary
Neal Kightlinger, Retired, Board President

Class of 2017
John Burns, Retired, Treasurer
Michelle Adams, Piggly Wiggly, Owner
Sam Sillaman, VP-All Digital Printing
Stephanie Chojnacki, Lee County Schools

Class of 2018
Mildred Pretty, Retired
Doug Doris, Retired
Rev. Bill Hayes, Pastor           
Dan Harrington, Retired, Vice President

Benefactors

CUOCLC Participant Churches and Organizations

It is our prayerful goal to have every church in Lee County joining hand-in-hand as Christians-United in Outreach at the Center of Discipleship.

The Following Churches and Organizations Support CUOCLC through volunteer efforts, food donations, and/or financial support; thus CUOCLC Wishes to Acknowledge Their Invaluable Contributions:

67 Church-Related Benefactors of CUOCLC

(Includes 65 churches and 2 church-related grantors)

Supporting with either Volunteers, Food, and/or Funds