Photo by Mike Brothers
Lovington area Vacation Bible School students worked together this summer raising more than $600 which they donated to Sparrows Ltd. Children from all churches gathered at First Baptist Church for the cooperative VBS. Above are some of those VBS participants: (kneeling from left) Cannon and Daylon Doggett, (standing) Krystina Myers, Peyton Newberry and Makayla Hays.

•August 26, 2015•

By Ariana Cherry
Reporting from Lovington

In 1994, a group of people saw a need within their community and wanted to help others who were less fortunate than they.

After holding an auction for the very first time at Jerry’s East End that December, it became an annual tradition.

“I have personally been involved with Sparrows for 15 years, and the generosity of the people, not just in our community, but the surrounding towns, never ceases to amaze me,” said Jessica Mercer, a member of the Sparrows group in Lovington.

Sparrows Unlimited is a non-profit organization that was started to help families in Lovington who were in need during Christmas. Although since then, the organization has evolved in the way it helps others.

“Originally the organization was to benefit families in need at Christmas, which is still our primary focus. Sparrow’s Unlimited has evolved into a vital tool within our community providing Christmas to families in need, and delivering fruit baskets to the elderly,” stated Pam Anklam, another member of the organization.

“We act as a resource and support system for many organizations in Lovington such as Christ’s Pantry, Lovington American Legion Post #429, COLA, Boy Scouts and many school organizations,” she added.

Sparrows Unlimited also provided coats for children. “Last year we bought more than 40 coats for children in the community,” informed Mercer. Along with providing coats, the organization also put together more than 100 fruit baskets for the elderly (anyone over 62) as a thank you for their contributions to the community.      Login or Subscribe to read the rest of this story.