2019-06-27

2019-2020 Focus on Oak Grove City Guide Page 48 Service Community Services League Community Services League provides food and resources to those needing assistance. Organization relies on the generosity of community groups and individuals to provide this support. Scouting Troop 266 and 7266 join together annually to conduct a food drive to benefit the food pantry. Oak Grove Community Services League acts as a solid support system for low-income families in Oak Grove. CSL offers a variety of services to meet the needs of the community, including assistance with food, clothing, utilities, rent, transportation, employment and medical needs. To qualify for services, a family must meet certain federal government poverty guidelines. Gina Parr is site manager and works with the community to raise funds and bring in donations, particularly at times of high need. During the summer, CSL requests kid-friendly food such as, ravioli, canned fruit, cereal, individual packages of applesauce, peanut butter and jelly. Prior to the start of school, CSL is in need of school supplies. Gift cards can be given to families throughout the years as well as at the annual Christmas Store. As needs arise, they are posted on the organization’s Facebook page. CSL has about 12 volunteers who help at the Oak Grove location on a weekly basis, while more volunteers are needed to help with the Back-to-School event as well as the Christmas Store. Around 120 families are served each month. Along with other CSL locations in eastern Jackson County, Oak Grove places collection barrels throughout the community for school supplies in the summer. Their 60 barrels in 60 days campaign benefits the 2500 students who visit all locations before resuming school. Providing a brand-new pair of shoes is top priority. Christmas trees with cards containing specific age- appropriate gifts for children in CSL families are placed throughout the community in churches and businesses as they gather items for the Christmas Store. Families also receive a Christmas dinner. In addition, the Mayor’s Christmas tree fund raises money earmarked for CSL programs. CSL receives funding and items from Harvesters and the government, and they cooperate with other food pantries in the area. Church groups, Masons and grocery stores in the area make weekly/monthly donations of food and other items for CSL clients. In addition, a group donates birthday bags containing plates, cake mixes and other items, which are kept on hand for families. Hallmark also routinely donates clothing and other items to CSL. CSL provides job-seeking support to individuals through the Work Express program. Jim Robinson, career coach, offers resume tips, networking and interviewing skills, and assists with online job searches. A variety of classes are available through Work Express at the Independence facility, including classes in job readiness, computers and budgeting. Work Express is available Thursday mornings. For more information about the program, Robinson may be called at 816-912-4487. One-on-one financial coaching covers household budgets and financial strategies for success. Rachel Barker visits with clients once a month in Oak Grove, and she may be reached at 816-254-4101. Bess Truman, wife of former President Harry Truman, was a charter member of CSL which began in Independence as a Christian Bible study project in 1916, and, at the time, its main focus was providing food, coal and hay for those less fortunate. Today, the organization remains true to the purpose of making meaningful and lasting change in the lives of those they serve. CSL has six locations in eastern Jackson County. Oak Grove CSL is located at 1408 SE Austin St., and is open from 9 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Donations are accepted during those hours. The center phone is 816-690-8213.