ORANGE BEACH, Ala. — On Jan. 19, 102 Ohio Snowbirds along with six new members and four guests met at LuLu’s for their second breakfast meeting. President Sharon Goodwin opened with Pledge of Allegiance followed by Don Thrash giving the invocation. We presently have 170 paid members.

Our very interesting speaker was Bebe Gauntt of the Christian Service Center. She explained how the Center began in 1991 helping with a hand up rather than a help out. Times have changed, especially since the oil spill and now they are having to do some hand outs.

They have many programs such as Emergency Aid which helps with housing, utilities, etc.; OZANAM is financial help with prescription drugs; Food Pantry that is stocked by the local churches and in 2009 they doubled the size of the pantry.

Another program is Medical Equipment where they loan equipment to people for no charge and Meals on Wheels which provides for people who are unable to prepare their own food. The Center has Holiday Programs called Christmas Cheer, providing food boxes and gifts for children, Christmas Spirit for people who would like a visit and a small goodie bag and Children’s Birthday Club through 12 years of age that gives children a cake mix, frosting, candles and a toy.

There are 200 plus volunteers and they helped 5,283 individuals and more than 2,000 children. All of this is accomplished through sponsors and donations.  $25 will buy a family of four enough groceries for a week!

When our President asked her what we could do to help, she said “All of the above.” We presented Gauntt with a nice donation that was collected after the meeting.

Cindy Sinn spoke about the Brat Fest that will be on Feb. 5 and have 3,000 brats with any food left over going to the Christian Service Center.  The Pancake breakfast will be Feb. 12 and she still needs volunteers.

Carolyn Rooks announced our next activities and requested that people be sure to make reservations and let her know if they are unable to make it.  Call Carolyn at 251-224-9875.

The rest of the activities were: Tom Burke had 13 tickets remaining for the Low Country Boil which will be Feb. 25.  There will be an art show at the Gulf Shores Presbyterian Church on Feb. 4-5, featuring all kinds of art work, and our own Helen Haberstroh‘s art.  Sharon reminded everyone about the book and puzzle exchange and the door prizes were distributed by Gene Kight, Sue Evans, Tony Distl and Jerry Vetter.