The Strickland Center

Hobart & Marie Strickland spent their lives serving others, especially those who could not repay them. From providing haircuts and treats to the neighborhood children to overseeing the Food Pantry with the Blue Hills Family Life Center, the Stricklands shared the love of Christ with everyone. Mother Marie Strickland turns 100 this month (May 2021). Now it's our turn to honor a couple who always honored the 'least of these'. We are raising $100,000 to open the Strickland Center in their honor.

From it's inception under Dr. Larry C. Lott, the Blue Hills Church food pantry held this moto, 

"For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in," Matthew 25:35

Dr. Lott commissioned the Stricklands to oversee this outreach. Hobart Strickland labored in love until he passed, and his wife continued serving until COVID restrictions kept her home. In her 90s, she was still packing and carrying food boxes for those in need. She is an inspiration to many as she kept pace with people decades younger. While unable to be physically present in the last year, the love she poured into the team continued to overflow to the community during the pandemic. 

On May 2, Mother Marie Strickland turned 100 years old. After a century of service, she looks forward to again being able to leave the house and venture back into serving the people she loves so much. Our goal is, upon her return, to welcome her into a new center named after her and her husband, to distribute food and other necessities to those in need.

Thank you for joining us in continuing the legacy of Dr. Lott and the Stricklands.