Many events have been canceled over the last 12 months due to COVID-19 safety concerns and the Christian Service Center’s annual spaghetti dinner fundraiser is no different. Unfortunately, after a year of extreme need in the community the fundraiser is needed now more than ever. The annual fundraiser typically raises $40,000 that would have helped to replenish the Disaster Fund.

The overlapping of the pandemic and Hurricane Sally has severely taxed the center’s finances. In 2020, the center saw a 300% increase in expenditures for emergency aid between March and Nov.

“The difference in 2020 to years past has been the money. The depth of people’s need has been more than we have ever seen; having no job or loss of their home from the hurricane. There are more people but not three times the number. It’s not just food or help with a power bill like in years past, it’s people needing help with rent when they have nothing,” said Janice Moss, assistant director.

The Christian Service Center’s mission is to provide food and emergency aid to families in need in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Ft. Morgan.  Assistance typically consists of food and financial help through assistance with rent, utilities or other needs. Due to the seasonality of the area, there has always been an increase in need during the offseason. When businesses began to shutter due to COVID-19, the center decided to make some changes to their assistance. The center now provides food weekly instead of monthly, providing three meals a day for seven days.

The Christian Service Center is run by volunteers which keeps administration fees low to stretch their funding. The funding and support comes from area churches, individuals, businesses as well as grants. When the funds start to get low the donations seem to poor in and those at the Center hope that continues.

“This is a wonderful community to live in and an even better community when you are in need,” said Jennifer Jackson, office coordinator.