By Cara Beth Lewis
Spaulding Monroe Cultural Center in Bladenboro was once a school, and now serves as an outreach center. The Spaulding Monroe Alumni Association hosts events and fundraisers, offers services to veterans and local residents in need, and even has a thrift store in the Spaulding Monroe building that raises funds for the Alumni Association.
Spaulding Monroe Alumni Association is a nonprofit organization. The group invites members of the community to join, regardless of if they are Spaulding Monroe Alumni. All are welcome. The Alumni Association meets at Spaulding Monroe Cultural Center on the third Monday of each month at 6:30 pm.
The Thrift Shop operated by the Alumni Association is located inside Spaulding Monroe Cultural Center. The thrift shop accepts donations, and all proceeds go to the Alumni Association. They have baby’s, children’s, men’s, and women’s clothing, shoes, wigs, and assorted nick-nacks. Additionally, women of the Alumni Association hand-make crocheted blankets, hats, scarves and they also make aprons and pillows — all of which are for sale in the thrift shop. Sadie Freeman is a member of Spaulding Monroe Alumni Association, and she helps operate the thrift shop. She stated, “We also donate to people who come in and are in need.” The thrift shop operates on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 10 am until 12 pm.
Luther Wright, a member of the Alumni Association and a Veteran Services Officer, is also located in Spaulding Monroe Cultural Center, where he operates with Disabled American Veterans, an organization that assists veterans with various needs they may have. Wright stated, “We are trying to continue to help local Veterans.” Wright assists Veterans with emergency food and housing needs, Veteran benefits, and more at no charge. If you are or know a Veteran in need of assistance, visit Luther Wright at Spaulding Monroe Cultural Center on Fridays between 10 am and 1 pm.
On November 18th, Spaulding Monroe is partnering with Second Harvest Food Bank and will be giving out food to those in need beginning at 10 that morning.
On November 20th, there will be a barbecue plate fundraiser beginning at 10 am and continuing as long as supplies last. Plates will be sold for a $10 donation, and include barbecue, baked beans, slaw, and a roll. This event is hosted by the Alumni Association to raise funds for their work.
Spaulding Monroe Alumni Association accepts donations and welcomes new members and volunteers.
Spaulding Monroe Cultural Center is located at 508 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive in Bladenboro.
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