Are you familiar with the free or reduced lunch program provided by our school system? These programs do not operate in June or July. It is estimated that more than 2,000 children in Shelby County qualify for that lunch.

Last summer a local Alabaster resident, Lynn Coleman, worked with Cindy Hawkins at Kids First and fed 25 qualified children in June and July. Now ready to put her education, experience and determination on the line, Coleman is launching “Sowers of Seed.” With the help of local retired teacher, Barbara Haynie, Shannon Rumley and many contacts and volunteers, she has several fundraisers scheduled to begin this non-profit organization.

An attorney is working for free on the non-profit filing and people and businesses are donating prizes. (There will be a giant bunko party on Dec. 9 in Grandview.)

They’ve already had the Texas Roadhouse “Drive in for Dinner.” Steve Benefield at United Methodist is also one of their many helpers.

Now it’s time to sell their luminary kits for the “Let Our Light Shine Christmas 2010.” You can purchase the kits through sowersofseed@hotmail.com and pick them up on Dec. 14 at Veterans Park. These luminaries would make our Main Street and shopping centers look beautiful. Subdivisions could start a tradition and soon our town could be known for its silent Christmas beauty as well as for what the money does, which is also a beautiful thing.

Proceeds from sales of luminaries will go toward the June and July meals.

The organization currently needs a location with a commercial kitchen in which to prepare the meals, a good cook, storage and a lot of “hands, hearts and bodies.” There are so many behind the scenes requirements and expenses.

A city business license has to be obtained, the food, delivery, knowledge of food groups, quality control, health department safety and ratings are all important and necessary.

The mission statement of Sowers of Seed is to “promote optimal health through faith based initiatives.”

Coleman, a Kentwood resident, came to our city by way of Columbus, Ga., and originally Dothan.

She received her education at Troy State, the University of Montevallo (undergraduate degree) and the University of Alabama graduate school.

Being a “non-traditional student (she has three grown children), perhaps she recognizes the immediate needs right in front of our eyes.

She is on fire to put her education and experience to work in a positive way.

Some corporate sponsors are Full Moon Barbeque, J Allen Gifts, Cold Stone Creamery, Pizza Hut, Manna Ministries, Pure Faith Salon, Cuts n Such, Moe’s, Longhorn Steak House, Am Star Cinema, Come To The Waters, Dairy Queen, Westwood Baptist, Kona Ice and Walmart. Several Sunday school classes and individuals are also sponsors.

Come on board, Alabaster. It’s a good thing!

Community columnist Sandra Thames can be reached by e–mail at bobthames1942@yahoo.com.