East Bend ‘Key to Town’ presented to YCM

Yadkin Christian Ministries volunteer Dean Matthews accepts the Key to the Town presented by East Bend Mayor Archie Hicks.

EAST BEND — On Thursday East Bend leaders presented a Key to the Town to volunteers with Yadkin Christian Ministries.

The award is presented to East Bend groups or residents for “outstanding civic” service to the citizens and community.

Yadkin Christian Ministries East Bend location first opened in November 2000 and moved to its current location at 118 East NC 67 Hwy Bypass in 2019. Volunteers with the group assist those in need of food and other financial assistance such as with utility expenses or medicine.

According to the proclamation signed by East Bend Mayor Archie Hicks, “Yadkin Christian Ministries is a place where people can find a caring ear, a shoulder to cry on, and a brother or sister to lean on in troublesome times.”

The proclamation also noted Yadkin Christian Ministries increased efforts to provide for those in need amid the COVID-19 crisis.

East Bend Commissioners Wanda Johnson and Eddie Venable and Mayor Pro Tempore Larry Adams commented on the asset that the Food Bank is to the community and how much the town board appreciates all the work that the volunteers commit to the service of Yadkin Christian Ministries.

Yadkin Christian Ministries Director Beth Steelman was present for the ceremony as well as volunteers at the East Bend location of YCM. Accepting the award on the group’s behalf was longtime YCM volunteer Dean Matthews. Also present for the ceremony were Leroy Hobson, Kathy Hobson, Margie Hutchens, Jeannette Beane, Dan Ruble, Romie Flynn, Brenda Flynn, Ruth Johnston, Linda Taylor, and Sue Matthews.

Kitsey Burns Harrison may be reached at 336-258-4035 or follow her on Twitter @news_shewrote.