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By Jeff Moore

Editor’s Note: This feature originally ran in the November/December 2024 edition of the Valley Living magazine, a publication produced bi-monthly by the Valley Times News. If you would like to pick up a copy of the Valley Living magazine, please visit our office at 4002 20th Ave Suite E in Valley.

The Christian Service Center in Lanett, Alabama, has been a pillar of hope and compassion in Chambers County for nearly 50 years. Founded in 1974, the nonprofit organization started as a grassroots effort by Cheryl and Herman Myers, who saw a critical need to assist struggling families in their community.

Today, the center continues to serve as a lifeline, providing food, clothing, and other resources to those in need.

Cheryl’s daughter Christy Myers Eddy, who now helps run the center alongside her mother, shared the inspiring origin story in a recent interview.

“It all started when my parents got custody of three boys in a short-term care situation,” Christy said. “They realized that many families were losing custody of their kids simply because they lacked basic necessities like food or a bed for their children.” she explained.

Cheryl began calling on local churches, community groups, and neighbors to collect donations of clothes, furniture and food.

“It was a humble start,” she added. “Everything operated out of our home back then. My mom built a network of people she could call on to meet these needs. The community really rallied together.”

Expanding a vision

As the center grew, it transitioned from being home-based to its first official office in Lafayette in the early 1990s, thanks to the support of the East Liberty Baptist Association and local community leader Dr. Charles Wynn.

In 2004, the center moved to its current location in Lanett, where it serves hundreds of families each year. Cheryl has served as the center’s director for the past 34 years, continuing the mission of meeting both immediate and long-term needs.

“My mom always had a vision of creating a community space — a place where people could come together to help each other,” Christy said. “She didn’t want the spotlight on her. She wanted the focus to be on how we, as a community, could make a difference.”

Services offered

The Christian Service Center is primarily a food bank, but its services extend far beyond that.

“We help with clothing, furniture when it’s donated, and even financial assistance in certain cases,” Christy said. “One of our biggest initiatives is our Christmas program. Each year, we provide toys, clothing and shoes to around 350 children.”

The center’s efforts are fueled entirely by donations and volunteers. Longtime volunteers like Paulette and Frank Ray, who have been with the center since its inception, continue to play a vital role, she said.

“We have a great team of volunteers who rotate throughout the week. We also work with church groups, school clubs, and individuals looking to fulfill service hours,” Christy said.

In addition to these programs, the center is adapting to the times.

“We’re starting to accept donations through Venmo and PayPal,” she noted. “Younger people have been asking for these options, and we’re trying to catch up.”

Overcoming challenges

While the center has grown, challenges remain. Rising costs of living and homelessness in Chambers County are increasing demands on the organization.

“We don’t currently have a shelter for the homeless in the county,” Christy said. “We try to meet their needs with food boxes and items that don’t require cooking, but it’s a heartbreaking situation. Rent and the cost of living are just so high.”

Despite these challenges, the center continues to push forward. Recent upgrades, such as new concrete pads and covered awnings, have made it easier to serve clients in inclement weather. “We used to struggle when it rained, but now we can load groceries into cars without anyone getting soaked,” she said.

The power of community

The Christian Service Center’s success is a testament to the strength of community support.

“Everything we do is funded by donations from individuals, businesses and churches,” she said. “Some donate monthly, others just during the holidays, but every bit helps.”

As the center looks to the future, outreach is a top priority.

“We’ve noticed younger generations don’t know much about us, so we’re working to strengthen our social media presence and launch a website,” Christy said. “It’s about reaching people in new ways while staying true to the values my parents instilled.”

She also emphasized the importance of small acts of kindness. “Volunteering doesn’t have to mean being here every day. It could be organizing a food drive, donating toys or even helping someone in a parking lot,” she said. “Being the hands and feet of Jesus is about the little things we do every day.”

Looking ahead to 2025

After more than three decades of leading the Christian Service Center, Cheryl will step aside and Christy will take the lead role.

“My mom’s been doing this for 34 years and and I do look forward to stepping into her spot even though I’m a little intimidated because she is the best at what she does but I do,” Christy said.

But Cheryl will still be working at the center in the assistant director’s role.

“I hope that I can live up to her legacy and keep everything going as smoothly as she did,” Christy said. “I would like to thank the community and all of the people in churches and organizations that have supported us over the years. We are really, really blessed to live in a place like Chambers County where people do step up to the needs of others. I’m really just blessed to be here and I’m anxious to start serving in a director role.”

She went on to reflect on the center’s enduring legacy.

“My parents started this with the belief that no one should go without basic needs,” she said. “That mission hasn’t changed. It’s amazing to see how the community continues to come together to make it happen.”

How to help

The center is always in need of support, especially during the holiday season. Donations can be sent to the Christian Service Center, P.O. Box 227, Lanett, AL 36863. Volunteers and groups interested in organizing drives or service projects can contact the center through its social media platforms.

Donations can also be dropped off at the center, 5342 Cusseta Road, Lanett.

Anyone with questions or needing additional information can call 334-476-2605.