For many years the Reverend Russ Chamberlain was the personification of Mercy Meals and More and the work they do in the community.

Many in the community were also upset when the Board of Directors voted to remove him from his position in the organization.

The group's Vice-President, Arthur Briggs, told WBSM's Phil Paleologos it wasn't an easy decision but, in the end, the board felt Mercy Meals and More needed a more structured approach than Reverend Russ could provide.

"There needed to be more structured stuff to be done and we said that to him," says Briggs "and we decided that through that structure that he needed to be released because he wasn't following it as much as he should have."

Briggs also says donations have dropped since Rev. Chamberlain's departure and he's asking the public to continue to support the organization's mission, even if they disagree with the board's decision.

"We want to continue this program," says Biggs "we have lots of volunteers every morning that serve the homeless and they're in need of this."

The board is also accepting applications for someone to replace Rev. Chamberlain with the Mercy Meals and More Secretary Trinity Pires saying that they're looking for someone who can bring money into the organization.

"The biggest qualification really is just being able to go out into the community and fundraise," says Pires "the community fundraising and grants are really the majority of the money that comes into Mercy Meals and More."

Those interested in the position can visit the group's website for more information.

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