St. Luke United Methodist Church looks to raise $2.9M for nearly 10,000 Lee County residents

A local church has launched an ambitious fundraiser to cover the costs of what Lee County SNAP recipients would have received during November — money that has been held due to the government shutdown. 

St. Luke United Methodist Church’s Keep Lee County Fed campaign seeks to raise $2.9 million to cover the cost of the 9,766 county residents who rely on SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program). The fundraiser is led by Youth Director Abigail Thompson, who said the money is still needed despite the Senate’s vote Monday night to reopen the federal government after the 41-day shutdown. 

Roughly 42 million Americans who rely on the program to help buy groceries did not receive SNAP assistance this month.

“Even if things are better in a few weeks, people need food now, and many don’t have the luxury of waiting until the government figures something out,” Thompson said. “And because I work with children, I know there are kids who need food now. All over the country, there are free lunch programs being cut, so they’re not even getting the food they need at school.”

Thompson and St. Luke have reached out to local nonprofit groups and churches, as well as elected officials and local businesses to assist in the fundraising effort. She said money is needed over food donations.  

“I feel very strongly about the church’s role in stepping up and making things like this happen,” she said. “Providing basic needs is one of the best ways we can love our neighbor.”

A fundraising page has been created, and the money raised will be split between Christians United Outreach Center (35 percent), Bread of Life Ministries (35) and the local Salvation Army (30). Those who wish to donate in person can do so at St. Luke United Methodist Church. Those who wish to reach out to Thompson directly can do so at art69@duke.edu.