The Heat Is On
As we take time this summer to go on vacation, spend time at the beach, and be lazy by the pool, before we know it the time for school to start back up. And what this thrift store has done this year is quite amazing.
The thrift store provided the funding for the the school back pack food program. This program took place in 7 local Navarre schools, providing a total of 14,161 bags of food for weekend snacks and meals for children in need. Each week approximately 393 bags were packed by over sixty volunteers. What an amazing accomplishment. School counselors expressed the appreciation and desire for this program to take place again this coming school year.
What is just as amazing as how this funding comes together, generated by the thrift store. Money just doesn't grow on trees. But in this case, it comes in bags of outgrown kids clothing, glassware that has been replaced, DVD movies that have been watched, books that have been read, and curtains that have been replaced. Donations are received at the donations door are then sorted, cleaned, tested, and then put for sale in the store. And frequently sold the same day they come in! This revenue then is deposited, and available for the purchase of food for the school children. The food, volunteers, and recipients are prayed for, and the packing begins!
How used household goods and clothing becomes food for growing kids is an awesome process. But it requires lots of people coming together with a common goal in mind. Making this world a better place for us all.
In the We Care office, we have the opportunity to meet and help many people. Recently a client came to the office, and we were able to provide utility assistance. Having 2 growing teenagers at home, we provided multiple bags of groceries for the household that day also. We suggested they talk with the school counselor about participating in the weekend food program. It is at this point in our interaction that the tears began to flow. The kids had received the bags of food this past year, and the astonishment and gratitude covered this client's face. They shared about how powerful prayer was in their life, and how thankful they were for not only for our help and ministry that day, but all along this past school year.
Helping people, providing hope, and giving out food. Yes, we do that. And it all starts at the donation door of the Good Neighbor Thrift Store. Turning goods into food. Helping others. That is what we do here. And ask any one of our 120 volunteers. We have a great time doing it!