STORIES
We’re happy to share the following stories and experiences, as written by individuals and ecclesias who have participated in outreach initiatives.
Our hope is that by sharing these stories, others will be encouraged and inspired to do the same whenever the opportunity arises (Galatians 6:10).
Food4Friends
August 2023
Jane Hewitson
Elkridge Food Pantry and GardenBaltimore, MD
I took my two Sunday School students, Simon and Suzy, to Walmart where they helped me select food items from the list provided by a food bank located near our ecclesia hall. Once we had purchased the items using the grant from Garden Outreach, we drove over to the food bank and dropped them off. …
GotYourBack
August 2023
Cambridge CYC
Group homeCambridge, ON
Thank you for the opportunity to receive backpacks for at-risk youth in our community. The Cambridge Sr. CYC was able to fill the backpacks with back-to-school essentials graciously donated by our ecclesial members. Finally, in August 2023 we were able to take them to the group home and deliver them for their use. (picture attached) …
Food4Friends
July 2023
Saanich Ecclesia
Saanich Peninsula Lions FoodbankSaanich, BC
My mum and I went and dropped off the donation mid-June, it was great! I chose to donate to the Saanich Peninsula Lions foodbank, which is located in the town we live in. I gave them a call in advance to see what their most needed items were, and they asked for anything that helps …
Boxes of Love
June 2023
Barrie Family Shelter
Women & Children's Shelter of BarrieBarrie, ON
Donation made to the Barrie Family Shelter. Boxes of Love is such an outstanding offer of kindness from the WCF & The Garden. Also, the staff who manage the various grant programs are incredibly helpful in particular Gillian Kenzie and Jason Grant. God bless. Following is a poem that was given to the shelter: In …
Food4Friends
June 2023
Shelburne Ecclesia
Shepherd's Cupboard Food BankShelburne, ON
Thank you again for offering this opportunity to help the poor & hungry in our community. My husband, Jim Davin, and I each received a US cheque in the amount of $100 US, for which we each received $130 CAN. We were not able to gather the young people at this time, so we completed the …
Food4Friends
May 2023
Women & Children’s Shelter of Barrie
Women & Children's Shelter of BarrieBarrie, ON
Thanks so much for coming in today with such a wonderful donation! We can’t thank you enough and I know how big of an impact that makes on our residents here at the shelter. So thank you for helping us remind our women they are not alone. On most nights, we have over 30 women …
BagsofLove
April 2023
Verdugo Hills Ecclesia
LA Family HousingVerdugo Hills, CA
The Verdugo Hills Ecclesia in Southern California has been active donors for decades to a local nonprofit called LA Housing. Their mission is to end homelessness in the lives of children and adults across Los Angeles. Our ecclesia has helped in donating such things as the makings for Thanksgiving meals, gift cards, useful household and …
Grants
March 2023
Schooley’s Mountain Ecclesia
The Angel's ClosetStroudsburg, PA
Once again this Spring, the Schooley’s Mountain Ecclesia donated to The Angel’s Closet in Stroudsburg PA. We have contributed to this organization for the past four years, providing baby essentials such as formula, diapers, infant clothes and baby hats knitted by one of our sisters. These items are assembled into layettes for needy mothers and …
BagsofLove
January 2023
Stoughton Ecclesia
Stoughton, MA
Sis Jen Dineen and I coordinated with the Stoughton MA ecclesia and along with the grant money we received donations from members to fill the boxes. Our “boxes” were drawstring backpacks. We filled them with essentials like toothbrushes and toothpaste, tissues, feminine products, snacks; Bibles, handwarmers, gloves chapstick; wet wipes; bandaids, razors, combs and then I …
BagsofLove
January 2023
Lancaster Ecclesia
Walter Street MissionLancaster, PA
“This is the third time our ecclesia has donated sleeping bags. This year there were blankets, too. The two boxes were delivered to our house in two or three days. My husband, Ken, and I took them to the Water Street Mission in Lancaster. A woman there helped Ken hoist the boxes onto the loading …