Southport Realty donates space for Matthew's Ministries, Friends of Libraries
Photo By Mike Spencer
Yvonne Moody shelves books Monday, May 16, 2011, in the space donated to Friends of the Southport/Oak Island Libraries by Southport Realty.
Published: Sunday, May 22, 2011 at 3:30 a.m.
Last Modified: Friday, May 20, 2011 at 5:07 p.m.
Last Modified: Friday, May 20, 2011 at 5:07 p.m.
Two nonprofit organizations had a similar need, and both found the perfect solution in Southport Realty’s generosity.
Matthew’s Ministry needed space to store food, and the Friends of the Southport/Oak Island Libraries needed space to store books.
Both groups were led to Pamela Frandano, a co-owner of Southport Realty, along with her husband, Peter, and Kim Anne Russ. Frandano proposed the idea that Southport Realty donate two back rooms of their new 6,000-square-foot facility at 727 N. Howe St. The other two owners readily agreed.
Matthew’s Ministry began when the local Moms in Touch group received a prayer request from a teacher to pray for kids who don’t have enough food. Kristie Disbrow, a member of the group, and also president of the Southport Elementary School Parent Teacher’s Association, said, “At first I thought this was an isolated incident, but I soon found out it was not. It is an ongoing need.”
“That was when I asked Pam and Pete (Frandano) for space,” she said.
Donations of non-perishable food, toiletries, and checks payable to Matthew’s Ministry can be made any time during business hours. The collection vehicle is a little red wagon in the lobby of Southport Realty’s office.
When the City of Southport requested that the Friends of the Library remove books from the Old Jail annex, the Friends explored other possibilities. They got a lot of sympathy but no offers, until a volunteer mentioned it to one of the sales agents at Southport Realty. That person asked Frandano if they could provide the space.
Marge Golas, president of the Friends, said the space is perfect because the building used to be a video store and the shelves are still there. She and the Friends are looking forward to Saturday, May 28, when the Friends will hold their first book sale at the new location from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
When asked why she arranged for both of these groups to use the space, Frandano said, “because we believe in serving the community. Every agent that works here volunteers someplace. That’s just who we are.”
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