The summer quickly draws to a close and we find ourselves back in our “normal” routines – kids are back in school, there are buses to catch, lunches to make, meetings and choir rehearsal to attend, back to work and whether we realize it or not we are already starting to brace ourselves for Fall and Winter.
A quick look back to summer with all of its fun, family, barbecues and vacations will also give us a peek into all that our Deacons continued to do. The Food Pantry continued to operate every other Saturday and delivered upwards of 10, 000 pounds of food each month. There were times the Pantry was short staffed because of vacations but they managed with the help of other volunteers and got the job done. Please pick up a Food Pantry schedule in the Gathering Space and let one of our Deacons know if you are interested in helping. We even need people to pick up Panera Bread the evening before Pantry Saturdays.
August was the month for School Supplies which were donated in age appropriate kits to children. Debbie Hager reported that there were over 60 kits dispersed for children in grades K-2 and over 75 kits dispersed to children in grades 3-5. That’s amazing! And the school children were absolutely delighted. Thank you ALL for your donations, support and efforts to make this happen.
The Fall and Winter promise to be as busy and exciting. The Deacons continue with their Diaper Ministry supplying those in need each month. You can help by making donations of any amount to the Deacons and indicating “diapers” on your check or you can give online. (If you are a BJs Member save the Berkley Jensen brand diaper coupons and give them to Pat Prauda or leave them in the office.!)
There will be a “Hat, Scarf and Mitten” tree set up in Advent to accept all of your donations of purchased and hand made items. These will be delivered during Food Pantry days during December. Remember – we need your help. Check with any Deacon to see how you can give of your time, money and talents!
The Pantry always needs plastic grocery bags. You can bring them to Room 2 or just leave them in the basket with your donations .
As always, we praise God for the work we are able to do through all of your many efforts and we thank you for all of your caring and loving support. God Bless you.
~Carol E. Thorne-Gaetani for the Deacons