Branson, MO … Tough times usually bring out the best of people, particularly in the Ozarks.  One of the major local charities that is totally supported by the community, Christian Action Ministries, fights hunger in Taney County with two food pantries and a mobile outreach.

Traditionally the community supports CAM with donations of food, cash, and volunteer time.  Food donations come in from a myriad of sources:  organizations that conduct food drives, individuals wanting to help their neighbors, theaters offering free admittance in exchange for food, and church groups collecting food on a regular basis.  Cash contributions also come from similar sources:  churches, individuals, businesses,  theaters, and foundation grants.  Pantry volunteers are comprised of individuals, as well as group efforts from various churches and organizations.

Board chairman Jack Burke told us that they are often asked whether it is better to donate food, cash, or time.  “The first thing we tell them is that we need their prayers, a donations that anyone can make in support of our efforts.  We then explain that we appreciate and value whatever they can do, be it donations of food, cash, or time.”

Burke went on to point out that financial contributions offer perhaps the most value.  “We all know that it will cost about $3 to purchase a box of cereal to donate to CAM.  Yet, if that same $3 were donated in cash, we could buy at least 16 boxes of cereal at  our price of 18 cents for a box of cereal.  Aside from necessary food purchases, cash donations also offset the normal cost of operational expenses, such as rent, utilities, gasoline and upkeep for our van, and a small, but necessary, payroll.”

CAM is also appreciative of people who volunteer their time and talents.  Volunteers normally help maintain the pantry inventory and stocking, and interview clients needing assistance.  However, CAM is also looking for people who can help with the computers, website management, design of flyers and brochures, outbound telephone calls to supporters, and much more.

Anyone wishing to donate cash, food, or time, can call CAM’s executive director Pat Davis at 334-1157 or visit the CAM website at www.christianactionministries.org

Branson, MO…Two new members have been added to the board of directors for Christian Action Ministries (CAM) for 2011.  Cynthia Carson and Janet Akers were both inducted on to the board at a January meeting.  Cynthia is a member of the management team at Sight & Sound Theatres.  Janet is an account executive at Corporate Business Systems.

Along with Carson and Akers, the CAM board currently consists of chairman Jack Burke, vice chairman Jones Arjes,  treasurer Dave Hoy, executive director Pat Davis, past chairman Larry Johnson, Tim Mahoney, Ben Dutton, and Dan Lehning.

“We are blessed to have Cynthia and Janet join our team,” said Burke.  “Our board members donate significant amounts of their time, along with their creativity,  talent, and passion to follow in the footsteps of Jesus, to help maintain CAM as a viable resource for the needy in Taney County.”

CAM operates food pantries in both Branson and  Forsyth, along with a mobile outreach to the eastern Taney County communities of Bradleyville, Protem, and Reuter.  On average, over 700 families a month receive assistance from CAM , which is totally supported by the community.

People needing assistance can come to the Branson location at 610 South 6th Street, Suite 102 in the lower level, or the Forsyth location at 10275 East Highway 76.  The Branson food pantry is open Monday through Friday from Noon until 4 PM.  The Forsyth location is open Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 10 AM until 1 PM.  Although no one is turned away, people should bring photo identification for all adults, a social security card for all family members, and proof of Taney County residency.

Anyone wishing to donate cash, food, or time, can call Pat Davis at 334-1157 or visit the CAM website at www.christianactionministries.org

Branson, MO – Gail Myer, Vice President of Operations for Myer Hotels in Branson, is pleased to announce the following recent team member additions:

Tod Grisham has joined the Comfort Inn West as General Manager. A Branson native, Grisham graduated from Branson High and studied History Education at College of the Ozarks. He then served in the United States Army Reserves, including a tour overseas in Desert Storm. Grisham brings 14 years of management and eight years of experience in sales to the Comfort Inn West team.

Desi Hinton has joined the Comfort Inn West. Hinton is a native of Aurora, Colorado. She interned at the Marriage and Family institute and graduated with a double major in Psychology and Sociology from College of the Ozarks. Upon graduation Hinton joined the Comfort Inn At Thousand Hills and was recently promoted to the Comfort Inn West team as Front Desk Manager.

Tod and Desi look forward to continuing the mission of Myer Hotels which is “Friendly, Fantastic Service Always.”

About Myer Hotels
In the lodging business for 44 years, the Myer family has actively contributed to Branson’s hospitality market for 28 years and received numerous national awards. Myer Hotels includes the Best Western Center Pointe Inn, Best Western Music Capital Inn, Comfort Inn at Thousand Hills, Comfort Inn & Suites Branson Meadows, Comfort Inn West, and Holiday Inn Express Green Mountain Drive. The properties emphasize excellent locations, countless amenities and exceptional customer service while focusing on great value in the upper mid-scale area. For more information about these hotels please visit www.myerhotels.com.