Six and a half years ago Jack Lane sold his business and settled into retirement. But six months later his doctor recommended that he become more active.

Soon thereafter he walked into the office of the Norcross Cooperative Ministry, where he hoped to help out, and asked “How can I get some exercise here?” They provided him with not only exercise, but an opportunity to serve many people in our community and he’s been working with them ever since. 

The Norcross Co-op Ministry is a not for profit organization funded primarily by 22 churches. As stated on its wedsite it’s an “Ecumenical ministry serving Norcross and surrounding areas by providing food, financial aid and counseling to people and families in crisis.”

The Norcross Cooperative Ministry got its start 25 years ago. Working from several locartions, it has been in its current one for the past 10 years. The land of the current location was donated to the ministry by the City of Norcross. Six and a half years ago, when Lane first began volunteering there, with the donation of a freight elevator, the Norcross Co-op able to add a basement and much needed space. 

When Lane first began volunteering he became very involved in the day to day workings of the co-op. He did many jobs from buying groceries to helping stock the pantry, the most on going need. With his past business experience and current knowledge of how the co-op functioned, five years ago he was approached to serve on the board and he was up to the task. Two years later he became co-president, working about 25-30 hours a week. So much for retirement! 

But Lane isn’t complaining about his work load. He speaks with great enthusiasm about this job that he loves and gives himself too. He said simply that, “It’s my life now. It’s what I do. I feel like I’m giving back and making some lives a little better by giving back.”

Lane is not only glad to be serving others through the co-op, he's appreciative of the many volunteers that join in working there.

“The toughest volunteer position is the people who interview the families," said Lane. "Their goal is to determine how the co-op can help these families long term so they can get back on their feet and eventually won’t need to come back.” 

There are always opportunities to serve and donate to this vital ministry. They obtain the food they provide from a variety of sources: church and community food drives and monetary donations. They use the money to buy food from a number of sources, the most cost efficient being the Atlanta Food Bank where they can do leverage buying, paying by the pound for whatever food or items like diapers, they are able to purchase. This purchasing method makes the monetary donations go much farther.

Some people like to take their children to the store to buy food for the co-op which is a great way to teach the children valuable lessons and to give as a family. Others are happy to write a check. Any and all donations to help local families in need are welcome. 

Thanks to the tireless efforts and leadership given to the Norcross Cooperative Ministry by our Peachtree Corners resident Jack Lane and many others. For more information about the co-op go to www.norcrossco-op.org.

Norcross Cooperative Ministries
2275 Mitchell Rd  
Norcross, GA 30071
770-263-8268