Al Southerland, president of the Men of FIC, presents Marcia Whitley, founder/chairwoman of All the King’s Children, with a donation for AtKC’s Project Wise Men. This program helped to provide clothing, shoes, blankets, food, books and toys to more than 200 local children this Christmas. (Marcia Whitley|Courtesy photo)
The Harrell Library, in The AtKC House, provides a variety of books, supplies and other resources for those who work with children. (Marcia Whitley|Courtesy photo)
When a child needs shoes or a meal or a warm winter coat, who’s going to provide? Sometimes a church will step up, or maybe a volunteer organization, or even a local business. But the truth is: it’s never just one child who’s in need, and it isn’t just one entity that’s willing to help. Matching up those in need with those who can provide is a big part of what All the King’s Children Foundation (AtKC) is all about.
As a second-grade teacher at Carver Elementary School, Marcia Whitley saw first-hand the needs of children and their families, and she also saw the challenge of meeting those needs, despite the fact that help was often available. She founded AtKC, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit public charity, in March of 2014 to try to solve this problem. AtKC’s mission is summed up best by a statement on its website: “We support those who are already meeting needs and strive to meet the needs not yet being met. By working together, we hope to eliminate duplication of effort and also help those serving children know what is available to them.”
In addition to acting as a liaison between various organizations and people, AtKC also strives “to fill gaps where needed,” says Whitley. This manifests itself in many different ways, such as assembling and giving out personal care kits or providing clothes to families who have lost everything in a fire.
At The AtKC House, located at 116 N. Breazeale Ave, the Harrell Library is stocked with books, supplies and other resources available to the organization’s partners. Currently, a learning lab is being established. “Soon we will serve our community through offerings of life skill classes such as cooking, sewing, and CPR; and educational opportunities like ACT preparation, college application assistance and reading comprehension workshops,” says Whitley.
“Volunteers will share their knowledge and expertise with students and parents to build a stronger community.” She credits The Gratitude Project of First Baptist Church of Mount Olive with making the learning lab possible.
On March 25, the Foundation will hold its annual “Purses with Purpose” fundraising luncheon at Southern Wayne Country Club. The popular fundraiser (it’s “a crowd favorite,” says Whitely) has a garden party theme this year. “We are looking forward to seeing all of the beautifully decorated tables again this year,” she says, adding, “We are still in need of sponsors, silent auction donations and table hostesses.”
Whitley is no longer a teacher, but instead devotes her time — in a voluntary capacity — to AtKC, where she is founder and chairwoman of the board. Through her work with AtKC she has witnessed, time and again, the compassion of the people of Mount Olive and the surrounding areas. “It is amazing to see how often those who are dealing with their own struggles are the first to help,” she says. “I feel extremely blessed to be a very tiny part of getting that help to those who need it most.”
For more information about All the King’s Children Foundation, call or text 919-252-KIDS, or go to www.allthekingschildren.org or facebook.com/allthekingschildren.
