Seymour charity grows

Casey@theheraldnewspapers.com Volunteers at CROSS Ministries began work on a new storage facility to house the tons of food supplies the non-profit organization constantly collects and distributes. According to CROSS President Charlie Duso, the adjacent CROSS office building currently being used to store the foods has been plagued with termites. Duso said money for the construction project was raised through donations from businesses, churches and individuals in the Seymour Community. They also held a separate donation drive specifically to beef-up their building fund. CROSS — Christians Reaching Out, Serving Seymour — is a non-profit organization that provides food and other financial support to needy Seymour families. “We have a client base of over 1,000 in the Seymour area,” Duso said. “We’re 16 churches banded together to provide food, groceries and help pay bills for Seymour residents,” said Duso. “We can also help with gas if the person has a verifiable job meeting,” said Duso. According to the group’s brochure, CROSS also provides assistance in the way of utility bills, rent, emergency auto repair and limited medications. The group holds annual auctions and benefit sales to raise money for its charitable donations. CROSS will hold another yard sale this summer, and also plans a benefit auction for Oct. 7. CROSS is operated entirely by volunteers, and financial support comes from member churches, local businesses, community fundraisers and other gifts. It also helps needy individuals find assistance through charitable governmental programs. The group appreciates any help through volunteering or donations. To volunteer or to become a sponsor, call CROSS at 579-6192. All Seymour churches are welcome to join the organization.