Flash player is required to view weather conditions. Download

site web  

MIDDLETOWN — Even those who help the less fortunate are in need of charity from time to time.

Louella Thompson's Dream Center got a big boost Tuesday with a donation of food and personal hygiene products from Carter Brothers Charities, a company founded by Middletown's own Cris and John Carter.

John Carter arrived at the soup kitchen, at 834 Yankee Road, in a truck loaded with 720 boxes of food and personal care items. The donation will be shared between the Dream Center and Family Services of Middletown.

Cheryl Campbell, manager of the Dream Center, said the boxes of stuffing, noodles and other canned goods would be used to enhance the center's annual Thanksgiving meal from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday. She called the donation "a blessing."

Former NFL wide receiver and Middies football standout Cris Carter did not attend the food drop-off because he was taping an episode of HBO's "Inside the NFL," his brother said. However, Cris Carter did attend a fundraiser for the Dream Center earlier this year, where he spoke about his commitment to his hometown and the South End.

"Cris made a challenge to people, and he challenged me," John Carter said. "Charity begins at home, and it was a good time for us to be able to come back to do this."

About 50 volunteers — members of the Middies football team, the Middletown National Honor Society and Duke Energy employees — helped unload the truck's bounty, which also included children's storybooks and coloring books.

Campbell said the Carter Brothers donation provided a big boost, but it does not entirely fulfill the Dream Center's needs.

"We need financial donations. It takes money for lights, food and staffing," Campbell said, noting everyone who works at the Dream Center, including herself, is a volunteer. "I'd like to be able to bring staff in here that are paid."

To help the Dream Center, drop off donations at the building or mail them to P.O. Box 1657, Middletown, OH 45044.