Hickory – As we observe social distancing and other practices dictated by COVID-19, the Hickory Branch National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) continues to be mindful of ways in which we can serve the City of Hickory. This is especially important while in-person group meetings have been suspended indefinitely. However, continuing to hold Executive Committee meetings by phone conference, we have kept abreast of the status of matters related to coronavirus locally and across the country. By doing so, we have been able to forward pertinent information and resources to our membership.

We have been especially gratified to forward information from the NAACP of North Carolina and Democracy North Carolina on actions of the State Legislature concerning voting rights. We have also been able to bring attention to the work of the national NAACP regarding the impact of COVID-19 on certain populations. For information from these sources go to the following websites: https://democracync.org and https://naacp.org.

Additionally, we have touched bases with some of the local social service agencies including, CCM (Greater Hickory Cooperative Christian Ministry), The Salvation Army of Greater Hickory and the Hickory Soup Kitchen. They, along with several area food banks have seen increased demands on their services. Most of them list their needs online. We encourage our members and others to join us and make donations of goods or money to agencies of their choice.

For future reference, we all need to be sure to complete the census. The outcome will impact all of us in a variety of ways and at all levels of government and social living eventually.

Finally, in the interest of convenience and progress, the Hickory NAACP will soon announce the addition of a pay online or electronic pay option option for membership renewals and donations. To inquire about this option, call 828-238-4430.