Rae's Ministry of Feeding those in Need

(purple iris from my back yard, with pretty little yellow buttercups on the right and blue forget me knots in the background)

As many of you know if you've been following along, several months ago Rae branched out to a different area of town to extend the ministry of feeding to those folks in need.  The original group is still going strong on The West Side of Columbus with both supplies and able volunteers.  Rae canvassed and found great need elsewhere and put a plan in motion encompassing multiple locations on Columbus's North, and North East Sides, some involving families.

We asked for support to help her get started, and as always you all responded with HUGE hearts and sent donations of plastic bags, plastic containers, grocery bags and similar items to help her in the meal prep.

At this time we do not need anymore plastic garbage bags, or plastic grocery bags, or plastic containers.  We may sing out later with more need; but with limited storage at her end...let's hold and not mail anymore of those items.  She's also well stocked on plastic poncho's and most personal care items for women.   She's nicely stocked also with soap and cotton knitted and crocheted washcloths (though we can always use those items for the 3 family shelters).

• What she is in need to stock her storage area at Everyday People Ministry Church (corner of 161 and North Meadows Blvd) is:

• Zip lock bags, sandwich size

• Forks and spoons (much less need for knives)

• Socks always for Women now as well as Men

• Sample sized shampoo

• Disposable razors

She picks up bread and sweets from a local Panera (on North High Street just north of Henderson), and soon to be expired food from Whole Foods (the donations from Whole Foods are divided between the West and North Ministry).

Currently she is feeding about 17-19 people on Saturday mornings after she preps meals at The Everyday people Ministry.  Several church members from that location have joined her volunteer force.

One of the things a bit different with this North Side Ministry as compared to her long standing West Side Ministry is feeding families vs primarily adults.  There are Mothers who are homeless but have enough to get a night in a hotel with their children (Thank the Lord they aren't living out in the elements); but not enough for food and lodging and so Rae has been able to include them in her Saturday Morning Meals.

Thank you all for your help with supplies and prayers for her new ministry.  I know she truly appreciates both.

The Beautiful flowers above are for you all for all the hard and necessary work you do.

All donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated. The Power of One is awesome, and when we work together The Power of One becomes The Power of Many.

Expaning the Mission, Volunteers Needed

 Sadly, new areas where pockets of homeless people in need have come to light.  Currently 5 areas in the North end of Columbus are known about.  I say sadly, because there is need.  However, it's a need we can answer.  We can, and will continue our support of homeless in need.  These 5 areas will receive hot meals on Saturday mornings.  Our good friend Rae, is heading up this quest.  There are now enough volunteers to continue to care for the original "Bridge People", and to reach out now to others.

She'll be happy to accept help from anyone local wanting to become involved with the preparing and distribution of the hot meals.  If you're local to Columbus and want to assist with this ministry, please leave a comment below, and or email me at sandycrochet@gmail.com.  I'll pass along your contact information to Rae so plans can be worked out. 

She will need some basic supplies to expand this ministry into the new area.  Plastic grocery bags are needed, large plastic garbage bags are needed, and plastic containers, (butter dishes, yogurt containers, cottage cheese containers and the like) are needed.  Please wash out your empty containers and donate them.  If you're local, you can drop them off and or mail them to me.  If you're not local and would like to donate, email me for my address.  The plastic containers are used for left overs after meal preparation, the large garbage bags are to help the homeless carry their limited clothes, and the plastic grocery bags are used for them to carry their hot meal in.

Naturally if you knit, crochet, or loom; you can make and donate hats, mittens, and scarves to help keep them warm.  If you're able to shop for men's socks, they are always needed.  The words, hats, mittens, and scarves are all links and will take you to the tab on the top of the blog with necessary information you need to read regarding size, colors, and fibers needed; and what to avoid.

Please lend your prayers to this new expanded ministry, as together we start down another  path.  So many people need us...need YOU and ME to do what we can to ease their journey.

2013 Donation Totals 
Hats: 111
Scarves: 78
Socks: 39
Afghans: 2 
Slippers: 13
Rain Ponchos:2
Mittens: 4 
Cotton WashClothes:47
Shawls, Sweaters, Vests, Poncho's: 4
Misc. Items: include personal care, headbands, handwarmers, cowls/gators etc aren't tabulated

All donations regardless of size and number are valued. All donations are appreciated. The Power of One is awesome, and when we work together The Power of One becomes The Power of Many.