BY PAUL MITCHELLNorth Country This Week

CANTON - For the past 50 years, the Church & Community Program has provided food, clothing and, at times, financial assistance for people less fortunate.

On Saturday, Sept. 14, the organization will celebrate its half-century of existence with a birthday bash at the facility at 30 Court St., Canton.

“We’re so happy to have been here for this long, and we’re looking forward to the next 50 years,” said C&CP Director Connie Jenkins. “September is a serious month for the pantry because it’s Hunger Action Month, but with the support of the community, our churches, businesses, schools, and organizations, we’re able to help neighbors in need every day. September 14 is our chance to say thank you, and to have some fun with friends. Please stop in.”

The celebration will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. with fun, food, games, and music to take place at 30 Court St. in Canton.

Jenkins said she is hoping for a good turnout of old and new friends, and supporters.

“Everything will take place in the 30 Court St. parking lot and the one next door. You can’t miss it. There will be a food truck, plenty of cupcakes and other treats, games for kids, a craft table, guessing competitions, face painting and fun photo opportunities,” Jenkins remarked. “Kids of all ages will want to cruise around in a little train on site, too.”

C&CP has been selling tickets for a 50-50 drawing to celebrate 50 years of service with the winning ticket to be selected at the party. DJ Denny Barr will play festive music (dancing optional).  Partiers can also make the occasion a memory by having their picture taken in cutouts of a school bus passenger or a farmer’s market shopper, a sunflower or a superhero—or even posed by the actual Canton fire truck.

“There will be other prizes so make sure to get tickets at $1 each or 6 for $5,” said Jenkins.

 The Second Chance clothes shop will be open that day for people who work all week and can’t come during regular hours - Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Asc a local food pantry, the Church & Community Program serves about 220 families, or more than 450 individuals residing in the Towns of Canton, Clare, DeKalb, Hermon, Lisbon, Russell, and the Village of Heuvelton.

“CCP has evolved over the years to best serve neighbors in need. In addition to the pantry and its outreach to seniors, this not-for-profit group also does a popular Back to School Program and a Giving Tree annual holiday gift program. The Second Chance clothes shop provides good clothes for low prices and free to those in need,” noted Jenkins.

Founded in 1974, the community-funded CCP currently runs the largest food pantry in St. Lawrence County and the Second Chance Thrift Shop, as well as the Giving Tree and Back to School Programs.

“Come celebrate 50 years of neighbors helping neighbors in our North Country community,” says Susan Holz, CCP Board Member and Event Coordinator. “We salute 50 years of our community volunteers who made this possible, and our plan is to keep it going strong for the next 50—or more—years.”

For more information about the 50th birthday party, or are interested in contributing to the C&CP cause, call (315) 386-3534.