Person of the Week: Bill and Sharon Welsch

by: Larry Blunt

updated: Friday, February 12, 2016

http://www.wlos.com/community/features/potw/stories/Person-of-the-Week-Bill-and-Sharon-Welsch-253239.shtml#.Vr6sNZj2ZMs

MARS HILL, N.C. -- Our Persons of the Week are making a difference in the lives of hundreds of people every month.

When you come to the home of Bill and Sharon Welsch, expect to be fed. It's homemade with hospitality and generosity the Welsches are known for.

They call their program The Lord's Harvest.

And the need is huge. Madison County, where they live, is one of the most food-insecure places in the nation.

They're helping people like Kristy Surrett.

"It's embarrassing for a lot of people to say 'I need help.' Even with kids, to them it's like saying you're not making it as a parent," said Surrett.

"We think of ourselves as the land of golden opportunity and this wonderful dinner-bowl of the world, but there is hunger," said Sharon Welsch.

The Welsches and their volunteers at Lord's Harvest grind away at hunger--with a 1925 grist mill.

They make cornmeal and put in baggies. They take thousands of pounds of potatoes and pinto beans bought with donations, and a lot of the Welsches own money, to distribute throughout Madison and Yancey counties, and beyond.

They've reached as far as Ohio, Kentucky and western Virginia--and they have churches in Tennessee they help.

They are able to reach hundreds of people each month, each with a unique story, and a common need.

"It's something I feel really passionate about and was called to do," said Bill Welsch.

It's compassion in action. "We like to give people hope," said Bill.

They're giving more than hope. They're promoting the health of families in need.

If you would like to help the Welsch's or learn more about the Lord's Harvest, click here.