The children of Living Word Lutheran Church, Laurinburg, N.C., from the time they can toddle have deposited their own offering in a large Mt. Olive Pickle jar during worship. It’s for “people in a pickle,” they proudly tell visitors. The director of Church Community Services, an ecumenical social ministry, knows that when funds are low she can call on the pickle jar to assist a family passing through town in need of a tank of gas or a place to stay.

Nancy W. Barrineau

Barrineau is a retired college professor who lives in Laurinburg, N.C.

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