Serve The Need In Johnston County

Serve the Need in Johnston County announces dynamic new board of directors to lead 2026 humanitarian efforts.

Serve The Need in Johnston County, a leading non-profit organization dedicated to providing essential resources and support to local citizens by building ADA ramps, Food Distribution, Clayton Steakhouse Luncheon Fundraiser and JCPS Teacher Support, among other efforts is thrilled to announce its newly elected Executive Board of Directors for the 2026 term.

“As Johnston County faces new challenges and opportunities in the coming year, this leadership team brings a wealth of compassion, local expertise, and strategic vision to the organization.” Stated Vice President, Simon Garren. “It’s a privilege and an honor to be included in this group.”

The 2026 Executive Board includes:

• President: Melissa Serrano
  As President, Melissa serves as a chief bridge-builder, uniting churches, civic groups, and agencies under a common goal. Her focus on collaboration transforms Serve The Need from a simple organization into a powerful movement, empowering local citizens to make lifesaving impacts in their own backyards.
• Vice President: Simon Garren
  Simon will ensure that our systems are as modern as our hearts are traditional. He is dedicated to scaling our impact so that every volunteer’s hour(s) results in a life-changing outcome.
• Secretary: Cheryl Oliver
  Cheryl will lead our communication strategy, maintaining a transparent and comprehensive record of the organization’s achievements. She is dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment where every member is recognized as a vital contributor to our mission of service.
• Treasurer: Tom Ricks
  We are proud to welcome Tom as our new Treasurer! With a focus on fiscal health and transparency, Tom will ensure our resources are maximized to their fullest potential, securing the longevity of Serve The Need for future generations of Johnston County neighbors.

“Our new board is dedicated to meeting the most pressing needs of our community,” stated President, Melissa Serrano. “We want to be the first place people turn when they need help. By connecting residents to vital resources, we are ensuring our neighbors have the support they need to thrive today and tomorrow.”

Serve the Need recognizes the importance and impact that Teachers make on the lives of our youth.  

We are once again supporting our local educators through our “Project Celebrate Campaign”.

Over the past three years, thanks to your thoughtful generosity, we have been able to make a meaningful impact with many of the schools across our county.

This year, we are asking for your support once again.

To expand our reach and make an even greater impact we are partnering with the Community Back to School Youth Explosion for their annual “Backpack and School Supply Event”.

To maximize the power of your donation, Serve The Need will match every single dollar received and donate the total to this wonderful community event.

I truly believe Project Celebrate will continue to serve as a vital safety net for our local teachers helping to provide the essential supplies they need to succeed throughout the upcoming school year.

Every dollar truly makes a difference –no amount is too small.

Our goal is to raise $1,000.00, ensuring that our teachers and school staff have the resources they need to function efficiently all year long.

Please consider supporting this worthy cause and helping Serve The Need achieve their goal.  We would appreciate your donation by August 3^rd . 

We thank our members and friends for their continued support of this project.
Chair Person:
Sandy Ross
Committee Members:
Sheila Williams
Lisa Gainey
Margaret Gooding 

The 2 pictures here are from the 2024 Project Celebrate Gift Card promotion.