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Hubbard Christians in Action addresses physical, social and spiritual needs
By LINDA M. LINONIS
HUBBARD
Hubbard Christians in Action lives up to its name.
The organization serves residents in the city and township as well as Masury.
Participants are people of faith.
And as for action, the calendar of activities is filled year-round.
Recently, Chuck Hudak, president, and Joanne Cutter, treasurer, discussed HCIA and its role in the community. Cutter said the group formed in 1981 during a week of Prayer for Christian Unity. Pastors and lay people gathered and agreed there was a need for Hubbard churches to gather for “ecumenical experiences and service to the community.” They formed HCIA to minister to community concerns.
Listed in its purpose are three goals: to provide opportunities for ecumenical worship; to respond in tangible ways to the physical, social and spiritual needs of people in the community; and to be more effective by working cooperatively.
The organization has developed a roster of activities. Hudak said he got involved in the mid-2000s. Now retired, he put to use 32 years of administrative experience in children services and mental health.
“HCIA is the umbrella organization,” Hudak said, adding, “Salvation Army is one of the committees.” HCIA restarted the Salvation Army Unit in May 2005.
“The missions were similar, so it was a good fit,” Cutter said.
A food pantry operates from 9:45 to 11:45 a.m. the fourth Friday of each month and is based at First Baptist Church, 59 Orchard Ave. Regular hours are adjusted for holidays in November and December.
“We average about 70 families,” Hudak said of the food distribution. “Our highest has been 110 families last year.” The SA unit serves people in 44425 and 44438 ZIP codes.
Hudak said the group launched its Red Kettle Campaign on Wednesday, which continues Fridays and Saturdays until Christmas.
“It’s all volunteer. Each church is assigned a time period,” he said.
Hudak noted this effort provides an opportunity for high-school students to fulfill their community service requirement. The kettles are at Devine’s Shop ’n Save and Walgreens.
Last year, the collection brought in $10,000. The funds stay in the community and help people in need with such necessities as utilities and rent. Assistance is given once every 12 months.
“We make sure to help those in need and use our funds responsibly,” Hudak said.
Most recently, the group participated in the CROP Walk with proceeds benefitting Church World Service to combat hunger around the world and 25 percent of funds coming back to the community.
HCIA also is involved in the school district. It sponsors a baccalaureate service for Hubbard High School graduates. Hudak said the event is popular and well-attended. “It’s a way for classmates to show support of one another,” Cutter said.
It also collects school supplies, which it distributes to Hubbard teachers who use the items to resupply students as the school year progresses.
Hudak said he’s involved because he “likes helping people.” “It’s a challenge organizing people and getting them moving to a common goal,” he said.
Cutter said she’s involved because “what we do makes a difference.”