A couple of cans of soup, bags of rice or other nonperishable food items will buy a ticket to a gospel sing Friday night in Robbins.

The admission prices will help stock the emergency pantry for Robbins Area Christian Ministries (RACM) -- a nonprofit group of nine area churches dedicated to helping people in Robbins and the surrounding area with emergency needs.

"Summertime Gospel Singing" will support their emergency food relief program, heavily strained by the current economic crisis. This gospel music concert will be held at the First Baptist Church at 651 East Hemp Street in Robbins, starting at 6:30 p.m. Singers and groups from the nine member churches of RACM will perform live on stage in the church's fellowship hall.

Volunteers from within those churches serve as board members and do the work of RACM, helping community members with heating and power bills in case of emergency, providing free clothing to those in need, and supplying food at no cost on a short-term emergency basis. Assistance is given without regard to church affiliation.

Like many other groups operating food banks, the ministry has seen unprecedented demand for food in the last year.

The Robbins area had already been hard hit economically in the last few years, and now the need for assistance is still steadily growing. Rising fuel and food prices have forced some families who were barely getting by before to fall into the category of those needing help.

"Residents of our area often don't have transportation or the money needed to drive to food banks which are farther away, so they rely on RACM when an emergency hits," said Mary Farrell of Westmoore Pottery. "Though the ministry never has enough food or money to provide constant assistance to any family, they can definitely help in a short-term way."

Kathy Martindale is coordinating the gospel sing-along with Janett Nelson. The Rev. James Brewer of Brown's Chapel Christian Church is currently RACM president.

The ministry has for a number of years run the Heavenly Treasures Thrift Shop in downtown Robbins. There, clothing and other items are sold at low prices that families in need can afford. Money the thrift shop takes in also helps community needs.

"This area is home to some impressive musical talent, some of which will be showcased in this gospel concert," Farrell said. "It should be a great event for a good cause. Kathy, at (910) 464-3293, and Janett at (910) 948-2254, can probably give any additional information about the concert, and about the Christian Ministries organization in general. Both are very active volunteers within the group."

Food and drink will be available at the concert. All profits from those sales will go toward assisting families in the Robbins area communities with emergency food needs. Donations to Robbins Area Christian Ministries will also be accepted.

"The Robbins area is blessed with an abundance of musical ability," she said. "Please come out and enjoy some exceptional musical talent while helping a good cause at the same time."

Contact John Chappell at 783-5841 or by e-mail at jchappell@thepilot.com.