Much of Acton’s outreach work is initiated and coordinated in collaborative efforts with other area congregations belonging to Congregations for Children (C4C). C4C was birthed in Hominy Valley and is now expanding across the state as a way for faith communities to connect with local schools and educators to bring the best of what the church has to offer to children and schools in need. Below are some of the projects in which we participate.

Dorm Room Sponsorship: Most new freshmen enter their dorm rooms armed with new linens and other supplies. Such is not the case for some hardworking students in need. Each year, in May, Acton UMC sponsors a designated graduating student headed to college from Enka High School. The sponsorship is part of a Congregations for Children (C4C) effort to help scholarship students from low income families have what they need to furnish their dorm rooms.

Acton members shop for and deliver to the school five large containers filled with sheets, mattress pad, comforter, pillow, towels, school supplies, duffle bag, and numerous other must-have dorm needs.

Summer Lunch Program: Acton members volunteer at a local neighborhood designated by the county as having a high proportion of children on free or reduced-price lunch through the school year. Lunches are prepared and delivered by the Buncombe County School System to neighborhoods where volunteers distribute the food, spend time with the children, and read with them. This program generally runs from mid-June to mid-August.

School Supplies: At the beginning of each school year, Acton joins other C4C member congregations in donating school supplies for students in need at Enka High School, Enka Middle School and four local elementary schools. The items donated include classroom basics like: notebooks, pens/pencils, crayons, folders, etc.