CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – The F.U.E.L. program of Clarksville has worked tirelessly over the past 4 months to feed thousands of children in the Clarksville-Montgomery County area every week.
Under the leadership of Denise Skidmore, the organization has grown from producing nearly 3,000 bags per week to approximately 7,000. To meet this goal, F.U.E.L relies on donations, both monetary and food donations, and countless volunteers from community churches, businesses, organizations and individuals.
Hilldale United Methodist Church (HUMC) has partnered with F.U.E.L. since March, providing a central location for the program to store supplies, hold volunteer packing days and distribute food bags every week.
Pastor Stephen Sauls, whose children are CMCSS students, has seen the reality of undernourished children in our elementary schools and how access to food affects the children both in the classroom and long term. “The work of feeding hungry children is the work of God in our community. Our church is honored to have partnered with F.U.E.L. during this pandemic and believes that providing much-needed food to our community’s children is a crucial ministry of hope and provision during these difficult times,” Sauls said.
Providing food, volunteers and funding for this program have been a defining ministry of Hilldale UMC since members began volunteering with the F.U.E.L. program in 2004, when Skidmore started the program at the church. As the program grew, incorporating more of the Clarksville community, Hilldale helped to support its growth into the non-profit organization it is today.
Frank Wilson, retired principal of Kenwood Middle School and the HUMC F.U.E.L. Coordinator, knows first-hand how vital a role this organization plays in the Clarksville community. “F.U.E.L. is an integral mission for the members of this church. We gladly take the opportunity to assist in this program during the school year,” said Wilson.
CMCSS start dates and expected availability for a return to packing in individual local churches have shifted but the needs of the children of Clarksville have not. Hilldale UMC encourages members of the Clarksville Montgomery County community, and those beyond our borders who would like to help continue to meet this need, to contact Denise Skidmore at 931-624-3181 or visit fuelforkids.org to find out more.