By Briana Harris / Staff Writer

PELHAM – In 2015, Oak Mountain Missions Ministries helped nearly 6,000 people by providing them with food, clothes, furniture or financial assistance.

As a part of its back to school program, the mission donated backpacks and school supplies to about 100 families referred by local schools and the Department of Human Resources.

“We tried to include most of what was on each child’s school supply list,” said program coordinator Brenda Lovett. “One school’s list was almost $75 and a lot of people just don’t have that.”

To help fund its efforts, the mission is hosting its 10^th annual Harvest of Hope Luncheon at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 13, at The Club, 1 Robert S. Smith Drive in Birmingham. A silent auction will be held prior to the luncheon at 10 a.m.

The luncheon is free to attend, but attendees are asked to make a donation to the mission, Lovett said.

The guest speaker will be Phyllis Hoffman DePiano, president of Hoffman Media. Janet Hall, a broadcaster for Fox 6 News will be the mistress of ceremonies.  The Wilson Hill Band will provide musical entertainment.

Lovett said one-third of the mission’s budget is generated by the event.

“We are totally funded through donations and grants and this event gives us most of our budget for the year,” Lovett said.

With a lot of families taking vacations during the summer, Lovett said food donations dwindle. However, summertime is when some families need the most help because children are out of school and parents have to provide more meals.

Those interested in attending the luncheon can reserve a table by contacting Oak Mountain Missions at 205-685-5757 or Oakmtnmissions@yahoo.com.