The Care Station feeds people year-round, but they may be best known for their holiday meals.
Clarksdale’s most beloved civic organization served more than 1,000 meals Thanksgiving Day, and while the meal was free, the cost of providing the service wasn’t.
“It gets more difficult for us to make ends meet every year, but somehow we find the way to feed people,” said Charles Estess, Care Station board president. “We are feeding more and like everything, our costs have gone up.”
Estess smiles as he reflects on the ministry and how the organization always seems to make ends meet and put hot meals in front of hungry people. He says he would much rather talk about what they do than address the need for financial help.
“Our mission is to feed the sick and shut-in with hot meals-on-wheels and walk-in needy persons,” said Estess. “In addition, we feed their souls with God’s word delivered daily by local pastors.”
Care Station feeds people five days a week, 50 weeks a year and have noticed a significant increase in need.
“Compared to previous years, the daily carry outs are up from 30-35 to 75-85,” said Estes. “The home delivered meals are up from 190 to 225 a day. This is approximately 4,200 meals a month served from Care Staion.
“In addition, each month the Care Station partners with the Memphis Food Bank to distribute meat, canned foods, produce, fruits and dried goods to 350 to 400 families via the drive-through, pickup at the Expo Center.”
Estes is also quick to say he doesn’t do this alone and there are church serving teams that send three to four volunteers each day. He said the Clarksdale Police Department and Clarksdale Fire Department also help with distribution.
“We have people who support us faithfully with donations,” said Estess. “Our holiday fundraising drive is our big revenue source. If you have never given to Care Station, this would be the perfect year to give something.”
And he said Care Station has always been transparent with finances.
“The Care Station’s budget is approximately $110,000 a year,” said Estess. “That budget supports our four paid workers and operational expenses. Most of your generous donations are used to purchase supplies and food to prepare meals.
And most of those donations come during the Thanksgiving and Christmas season.
But again Estess smiled and talked about the ministry.
“The one common bond that we all have is a love for the Lord and a desire to do His work in our community,” said Estess. “But our present level of food distribution depends on your decision to help.”
Care Station is a 501(c)(3) organization.
They can be reached by phone at 662-902-7335, Emailed at thecarestation@gmail.com or be found feeding the hungry in Clarksdale just about every day at noon at the Care Station at 318 John Hooker Drive.
