news-record.com

GREENSBORO — The tracks through the snow lead to St. John’s Chapel in Valle Crucis, where a homeless man prepares to join the morning worship. The glow of the rising sun splashes off the steeple. Lights blaze through the windows.

Greensboro artist William Mangum calls the painting “First Light.”

It’s the 20th image created for the Honor Card program, a statewide effort to benefit the homeless and needy. Locally, all proceeds go to the Greensboro Urban Ministry.

The cards are available for a minimum donation of $5.

“It’s a way to give ... something different this holiday season,” said the Rev. Mike Aiken, the Urban Ministry’s executive director, in a news release.

In the past two decades, the cards have brought in more than $2 million locally.

The 2008 cards are now available at the Urban Ministry at 305 W. Lee St., Wachovia branches in Greensboro, William Mangum Fine Art at 2166 Lawndale Drive, the Barnes & Noble in Friendly Center, Leon’s Hair Salons and various places of worship.

The cards also will be available from 5-7 p.m. Nov. 20 at the 17th Annual Feast of Caring at First Baptist Church, 1000 W. Friendly Ave. Soup and bread will be served. The event is free.

Those making a minimum $20 donation will receive a handcrafted bowl, donated by local potters.

Now through Dec. 31, Mangum will showcase the 20 paintings used in the program at his gallery on Lawndale.

“The Honor Card has been a blessing in my life and has inspired some amazing paintings,” Mangum said in the release.

Contact Donald W. Patterson at 373-7027 or don.patterson@news-record.com.