CLEARLAKE OAKS, Calif. – The community of Clearlake Oaks has been hit hard with the current health situation in many ways. Families and seniors have been impacted by food instability, loss of income, distance learning and isolation of their households due to concerns surrounding COVID-19.

“Food instability and loss of the human connection has been at the forefront of our conversation, a person who is concerned about where the next meal is going to come from has a more difficult time dealing with stress and emotional issues arising from this isolation,” Dr. C.E. Paine, pastor of Community Methodist Church of Clearlake Oaks, said during the church’s annual meeting this past November.

Thanksgiving is a wonderful holiday where we can get together with family and enjoy good food and fellowship.

Tabetha Paine, parish president of Women’s Ministries, took this mission to heart. Paine and her women’s ministries outreach team organized an adopt a family dinner where 12 families received a full turkey dinner including all the fixings along with preparing 130 hot meals for Seniors and families.

“Our goal is not necessarily to see how many meals we can serve but in serving we make meaningful connections with others in our community who are isolated, alone or feeling the weight of emotions brought on by COVID-19 during this holiday season,” said Paine.

Christmas is the church’s next project. They are looking to adopt families that are not only in need but need a human connection. They will receive a full Christmas dinner with all the fixings, toys for each child and a whole lot of love.

The church is asking the community for support in this project. If you can help provide a full meal, toys or volunteer support for the hot meal please contact Pastor Cory Paine at 707-262-2617.

If you would like to sign up to be adopted please visit the church’s Facebook page and send them a message (no phone calls for sign ups please) including your contact information and the city you live in and someone from our ministry team will contact you. Spaces are limited so please be patient.

If you would like to make a financial contribution, there are two ways you can do that. Checks can be made out to “Community Methodist Church of Clearlake Oaks” and mailed to PO. Box 962 Clearlake Oaks CA 95423 or visit the church’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/onechurchclearlake where there is a secure link at the top of the page to use your credit card. Your gifts are always welcome and know that 100 percent of these gifts go to serving our community.

Community Methodist Church of Clearlake Oaks is located at 12487 The Plaza.