Moore County serves up ways to help neighbors

DUANE CROSS
MCO Publisher•Editor

Over the next several weeks, Moore County residents can help put Christmas gifts under a child's tree, support a family facing a difficult season, and give local students a hand toward graduation.

And most of it can be accomplished by showing up hungry.

Chili, spaghetti, barbecue, biscuits and gravy, and Thanksgiving sweets are all on the calendar, with proceeds from several meals going to families and organizations right here in Moore County.

Chili, spaghetti, and a chance at $10,000

First Community Bank gets things started Tuesday, Nov. 3, with Chili Day from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 535 Majors Blvd. in Lynchburg.

On Thursday, Nov. 5, Smith Chapel Methodist Church will serve spaghetti to raise money for the Moore County Angel Tree Program, which helps provide Christmas gifts for local children.

Dinner runs from 5-7 p.m. at 87 Smith Chapel Drive. A $10 donation buys spaghetti, salad, a drink, and dessert. Bingo is included, and to-go plates will be available for anyone who wants to take supper home.

Advance orders can be placed by calling 931-580-9204.

By Saturday, Nov. 7, the menu shifts to barbecue at MCHS. The Moore County Hoops Club will host its BBQ Dinner and Silent Auction beginning at 4:30 p.m. in the gymnasium at 1502 Lynchburg Highway.

Tickets are $50 and include two barbecue plates and a chance to win $10,000. Ticket holders do not have to be present to win. Need a ticket? Reach out to Kaleigh Hatfield.

A meal to honor those who served

Not every meal on the calendar is a fundraiser. On Monday, Nov. 9, the Moore County Senior Active Life Center will host a Veterans Day celebration at 87 High St.

Lunch begins at 11 a.m., with fish, chicken, hush puppies, and side dishes provided by center members. Dan and Deb Zukowski will provide live music, and Laura Ruff will lead an arts-and-crafts activity following lunch.

Veterans Day falls on Nov. 11, but the center is getting an early start on recognizing local veterans.

Biscuits, gravy, and a helping hand

Patrick Maynard has been out of work since suffering an injury on the job. On Saturday, Nov. 14, members of Farris Creek Lodge No. 509 F&AM will fire up the griddle to help him and his family while he recovers.

The lodge will host a benefit breakfast from 7-9:30 a.m. at the Masonic Lodge, 101 Main St. in Lynchburg.

The menu includes biscuits, gravy, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, hash browns, jelly, coffee, milk, juice, and desserts. All proceeds will benefit the Maynard family.

The lodge has another fundraiser underway, too. Members are selling chances for a two-night getaway at The Silos at Promise Manor, valued at $600.

Chances are $10 each, and the drawing will take place Dec. 12. The winner must use the stay by December 2027.

Tickets are available through Farris Creek Lodge members. Supporters can also use Venmo at @Patrick-Maynard-22, including their name and phone number with the payment for drawing entries.

The Class of 2027 gets cooking

If you're already wondering what to bring to Thanksgiving dinner, Moore County High School's Class of 2027 may have the answer.

On Wednesday, Nov. 25, students will host a Thanksgiving Bake Sale at Woodard's Market & Deli, beginning at 7 a.m. For anyone assigned dessert duty on Thanksgiving, the sale might save a little time in the kitchen.

The class will host Breakfast with Santa from 7-11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, at the Masonic Lodge.

Breakfast costs $10 per person and includes pancakes, sausage, bacon, and eggs. Families can also have photographs taken with Santa for an additional $10 per session.

All proceeds from Breakfast with Santa will benefit the Class of 2027 Project Graduation, which helps provide a safe, supervised celebration for graduating seniors.

Pull up a chair

Not everyone has room in the family budget to write a big check. But most of us have to eat, and over the next several weeks, there are some good reasons to let somebody else do the cooking.

A spaghetti dinner can help put presents under a child's Christmas tree, while a country breakfast can lend a hand to a neighbor recovering from an injury. Even Thanksgiving dessert can support local students.

Helping out somebody has never required much ceremony. Sometimes, it's as simple as pulling up a chair and passing the biscuits.