Indianapolis Recorder, Indianapolis, Marion County, 23 August 1997 — Page 18

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THE INDIANAPOLIS RECORDER

SATURDAY, AUGUST 23,1987

More congregations helping “Underneath It All” campaign

The most unusual “drive” in Indiana that officially kicks off this Sunday is getting bigger, and spreading to other states. Over 80 churches, temples and mosques in the greater Indianapolis area say they T1 help the fifth annual “Underneath It All We’re All The Same” new underwear drive for children in need in Marion County. The underwear drive is a community service project of Interfaith Alliance Indianapolis, an inter-denominational group of over twenty congregations throughout the Indianapolis area. The drive benefits nearly 6,000 children and their families who receive help

from the 14 centers of Community Centers of Indianapolis, a United Way agency. Marcia Goldstein, IAI president and education director at Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation, originated the project in 1993. It collected about 5,000 items that year and got national attention thanks to the ‘Today” show’s affable weatherman, Willard Scott, and to a story picked up by the Associated Press. Employees of local companies also help, including a northwest side Target store. Cash donations to the drive were used there to buy new items, especially young girls’ bras, at a greatly discounted price, said Sherry Zerbe, now the chair of the project for three years and a member

of the Baha’i Faith Assembly. Goldstein credits Zerbe for the big increase in participating congregations, businesses and service clubs. Zerbe has chaired or co-chaired the project since 1995. “Sherry spends a lot of volunteer time on the phone and in meetings with numerous congregations, talking up this project. She’s the main reason it’s so successful,” he said. Thirteen congregations participated in the first drive in 1993. There were over 60 helping in 1996. In addition, communities in Texas, Florida and other states have contacted Goldstein, Zeibe or CCI about the drive. Earline S. Moore, CCI executive direc-

tor, said the families IAI helps in the drive appreciate the donations. “Many CCI families are headed by single, working females or working parents who don’team much more than minimum wage,” she said. “Once the rent, utility bills and groceries are paid for, there isn’t much money left for clothing. “I know it sounds odd to some people,” she added, “but undergarments are often worn by these children until they just wear out. Imagine being in a school gym class where they have to change clothes,” added Moore, whose social service career includes serving as director Of Christamore House. “This program helps a child’s attitude

going into school, which is something all ; of us benefit from,” Moore said. “It lets ! them know there are people out there who. care about them, who want them to sue--ceed.” CCI social workers and youth workers are already taking names and applications from parents interested in information or help from the project CCI is also being helped by a back-to-school supplies drive with radio station WZPL and Castleton Sqaure Mall. “The Learning Tree” has paper apples on it with a CCI youth’s first name on one side and three school supplies they need on the other. For more information about either drive, call CCI at 638-3360.

The Black Church Launches $12 Million Arson Prevention and Education Initiative

The Congress of National Black Churches recently launched its Church Rebuilding and Arson Prevention Initiative at a press conference at the National Press Club in Washington, DC. At a cost of $19 million, the initiative aims to rebuild and restore burned churches, prevent future arson and promote ecumenical and multi-racial inclusiveness. Thirteen states, including Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Mississippi, Arkansas, Texas. Kentucky. Missouri, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, Alabama and Louisiana will see implementation of this aggressive initiative over the next three years. CNBC received $6 million in funding from the Lilly Foundation, Inc. for the Church Rebuilding and Arson Prevention Initiative. Together with HUD and National Council of Churches, CNBC is part of the National Rebuilding Initiative established by President Clinton to ensure that burned churches receive rebuilding support quickly

and efficiently. During the press conference, the leaders of the CNBC, Chairman Bishop Roy L.H. Winbush of the Church of God in Christ and Founder and Chaiiman Emeritus Bishop John Hurst Adams of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, applauded the initiative’s goals of creating long-term commitments to restore communities and rebuild churches. “This initiative signifies CNBC’s long-term commitment to have our churches restored and communities healed," said Bishop Winbush. “The goal of the program is arson prevention and reduction. CNBC moved to develop a process to make the appropriate response. We also want to address the underlying causes by working at the local level to establish community coalitions that will remain in place long after the physical edifice has been restored,” he added. In addition, since an overwhelming number of church arsons have

been committed by young people, a special focus will be placed on educating youths. Primary and secondary school students will be encouraged to express their feelings about the burnings through essays and art which will be read and displayed prominently throughout the affected communities. Between January 1, 1995 and December 17,1996,318 churches were devastated by arson. Many of these churches were CNBC denominations, making CNBC especially determined to restore and rally in support of the communities where churches were burned. CNBC says it looks forward to a 21st century without church burnings. By instituting comprehensive public education campaigns, educating churches on how to install and use effective security systems and fire retardant materials, and promoting ecumenical and multiracial inclusiveness, the CNBC believes its goals can be reached.

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