Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, April 26, 1990                   TAG: 9004270381
SECTION: NEIGHBORS                    PAGE: S-4   EDITION: SOUTH 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

PICK'S CHECKS BUY HELP FOR THE NEEDY

Pick is the only employee of the Roanoke Area Ministries, a program that provides money, clothing, food and furniture for individuals who have an emergency.

His name has appeared on thousands of checks in the last two years. But he is quick to remind you that he doesn't do all the work.

As head of RAM, pick works with area churches in getting donations and with almost every agency in the Roanoke Valley in distributing food, money, clothes or furniture.

About 65 churches contribute $48,000 annually to RAM to help meet emergency needs of valley residents. That, said Pick, does not include donations of food, clothing and furniture.

He estimates the budget will be $100,000 if everything, including a contribution from Roanoke City, is included.

He said RAM has assisted the needy in about every way possible. An example of RAM's work is seen in the case of Sally Weeke, a fictitious name.

Mrs. Weeke took her four children and left her husband. She applied for and received assistance from the Welfare Department.

However, she did not have money to pay her moving expenses or utility deposits. Welfare workers sent Weeke to a Total Action against Poverty outreach center. The TAP worker contacted RAM and explained Mrs. Weeke's plight.

RAM sent a check to the utility company, Mrs. Weeke then visited RAM's clothing closet at Central Church of the Brethren. Pick said RAM's success has come from its work with other agencies and churches.

He said the other groups screen clients to help prevent fraud and duplication. Most of the participating churches have food collections on the fifth Sunday. Help Inc., another social service agency performing the same job, augments the food contributions with food purchased wholesale.

Pick can be reached at 345-8850 or persons in need can contact area welfare departments or TAP outreach centers to get assistance from RAM.

For more information about these and other programs, call the information and Referral Center at 982-2345.

This story appeared in the first edition of Neighborhoods on April 3, 1980. Periodically throughout the year, Then and Now stories will appear in Neighbors as part of our 10th anniversary celebration.