The Cahaba Grand Conference Center’s ballroom sparkled like champagne on Sept. 24. The festive occasion was the third-annual Harvest of Hope Luncheon and silent auction to benefit Oak Mountain Missions Ministries Inc.

First Lady Patsy Riley addressed the 365 attendees as the event’s guest speaker.

The purpose of Oak Mountain Missions is to provide a means for the greater community to share with people in need, spread hope to those in doubt and to demonstrate an example of Christ’s love through volunteer service.

Twenty-seven area churches representing diverse Christian denominations support the ministry, which receives referrals from domestic violence shelters, homeless shelters and social service agencies.

They provide food, clothing, furniture, cars, linens, household items and limited amounts of cash to approximately 50,000 individuals per year.

OMM works with Congressman Artur Davis’ office to coordinate with churches, community centers and missions in the Black Belt region as well, delivering needed items several times a month.

OMM Board of Directors Secretary Kay Moore said this volunteer ministry brings her personal fulfillment.

“The thing I love about the ministry is this: everything belongs to God, so we freely give to those in need. Everything we do is to help others,” Moore said.

In these tough economic times, even greater numbers of people are needy. Moore said the words from Psalms 24:1 echo her sentiments: “The Earth is the Lord’s, and all it contains, the world and all those who dwell in it.”

There are many ways to help OMM. The most requested services are food, and money to pay utilities or rent. Any group or neighborhood can hold a drive for canned goods, diapers or paper products. Donations are tax deductible. Working appliances and usable furniture are needed. Large items will be picked up. A person may donate a vehicle or volunteer time and service. Only necessary items are needed, so donate no toys or decorative items, please.

Check the Web site Oakmtnmissions.com, call 685-5757 or e-mail oakmtnmissions@yahoo.com for the organization’s latest needs.

Gladys Sherrer can be reached by e–mail at gsherrer@hotmail.com.