NEWPORT--Pastors and local leaders are encouraged to attend a meeting set for 7 p.m., Monday, April 14, at Newport Utilities to discuss uniting to assist those in need in the community.

Linda Owens, of On God's Wings, explained they would like to get the pastors, and churches, united so ministry items can be distributed through established locations throughout the various communities.

"We want to get all the pastors, leaders and volunteers with non-profit organizations, and anybody in the community who helps people to unite at this meeting," Owens said. "We are trying to personally invite everyone we can, but we there is no way we can personally contact everyone."

She said Baptist Hospital of Cocke County Chaplain the Reverend Ed Lemmond will serve as moderator for the meeting.

Owens said First Baptist Church Pastor the Reverend Dr. Rich Lloyd described the meeting as "people united against poverty in Cocke County."

According to Owens, the price of having a tractor-trailer load of food delivered has jumped from $1,000 to $2,200 and therefore, it is becoming too expensive for local ministries to afford on their own.

"We need to work together to address the needs of our community," she said.