By JULIE KEANE, Globe staff reporter
February 12, 2004

CHEROKEE - Cherokee parishioners have been volunteering their time by purchasing and delivering food, toiletries and paper products to help those in financial need.

Mildred and Herb Ford, along with other parishioners in Cherokee, belong to a volunteer group called Community Action Program. The program consists of approximately six members and is designed to give food and other needed items to the less fortunate around the Cherokee county. The program gives aid to all denominations in hopes of helping those in need get back on their feet.

"This is for the people in Cherokee county that need assistance," said Mildred Ford, who belongs to the Immaculate Conception Parish in Cherokee. "It's for the people who have lost their jobs or have sickness in the family. This is a way we can help them out."

Herb Ford has been part of this program for the last 18 years. He said during his involvement with the program he has become more aware of those in need after he has witnessed those in Cherokee county who are less fortunate.

"I am thankful for what I have when I carry stuff to the people and I see how they live," Herb said. "Some houses we carry to don't even have furniture -they sleep on the floor. There are poor people all over the county, we don't know how it happens to them, but when they ask for food we see to it that they get the food."

Mildred said that after being part of the Community Action Program she understands the importance of helping others.

"It really makes us realize that there are many that are really desperate and need food, especially now that there are so many people out of jobs," Mildred said. "We never realized there were that many people who needed food - you don't realize until you get into something like this."

Along with the Ford's, LeRoy and Pearl Jenness have been part of the Community Action Program for the last eight years. LeRoy said that this program has helped him stay actively involved volunteering in the community and has also allowed him to help others.

"This program shows that we are helping people and that is what life is all about - volunteerism," LeRoy said. "If we didn't have people to volunteer for programs, we wouldn't have any programs. It is just a common, brotherly thing for people to help those in need. It has helped us to realize that we are very fortunate for what we have and it helps us give back to the community that has been good to us."

The program receives money and food donations from other church's in Cherokee county. Immaculate Conception Church in Cherokee also has a barrel in the back of church where parishioners can drop off items for the needy.

Also, the religious education students participate in a scavenger hunt each year to help raise money and food for the needy. During the scavenger hunt, students will break off into teams, go to different houses and try to get as many items on a list. The food is then given to the Community Action Program to give to the needy.

The food that is given to the program or bought by the program is stored in a food pantry underneath the church. Mildred said that when they are given money to purchase food and paper products, they will buy things by the case to use the money to its fullest.

"Right now we are doing about 30 to 40 boxes for people," Herb said. "I have learned that there are a lot of needy people out there, most not by choice."