People of Unity, a charity providing free and after-school meals and snacks, is provided in the Ethel area under the management of Rev. Michael Hughes, founder of the service.
In addition to food, tutoring by students at Ethel High School is offered affording them the opportunity of community service.
The service is provided in the former Mt. Zion AME Church building located near Ethel on Stonewall Road. Rev. Hughes said the building has been renovated to accommodate the feeding program offered to children from kindergarten age to 18 years.
Snacks are offered Monday through Friday from 3 to 4:30 p.m. and supper is provided from 5 to 6 p.m.
Distribution of food items for the elderly is being scheduled the second Saturday of each month.
Rev. Hughes said response to the program has been good.
“We have been swamped on some days depending on the weather,” he said. Seeing a need among school children and the elderly prompted his decision to begin the ministry, he said.
In addition to Rev. Hughes, other staff members are a cook and a secretary.
Rev. Hughes is a native of Ethel, graduate of Ethel High School and a 22-year veteran of the U.S. Army.
