Rewriting the loaves and fishes story in the form of 390 T-shirts

Volunteer Sr. Judith Smith contacted a group to see if they had any extra T-shirts from their walk last Spring to share with MacCanon Brown’s Homeless Sanctuary weekly clothing distribution. They did and said we could have as many as we wanted and that they were glad to share them.

Sr. Judith called another volunteer, Patti Peplinski, who amazingly had a day open in an otherwise busy schedule and knew she could help out that day. Patti offered her knowledge of the process and donation forms to use. She offered to drive her car which would accommodate twice as many shirts as Sr. Judith’s vehicle. Upon arrival at the pick-up site, it was noticed there were many stairs. Muscles are not either Sr. Judith or Patti’s forte!

Suddenly along came our contact person and four other strong young helpers! They easily carried out box after box until Patti’s car was full!  Patti and Sr. Judith later shared a nice lunch at a nearby restaurant with Patti’s sister who lived nearby. Her sister may become a new volunteer! Their task the next day would be bringing the 390 T-shirts to Hephatha Lutheran Church for the planned sorting session of multiple clothing items (presorting helps so much with the Sunday distribution leaving more time for the direct interaction with recipients)! Again they were wondering how to get the large heavy boxes from the car to downstairs at the church. The plan was to divide up the car’s contents into many bags which they could carry making multiple trips. Instead, again they were met by several strong helpers! They were amazed as one man carried two big boxes at once – when even to carry one had seemed like a huge challenge!

That Sunday brought joy to many recipients as these wonderful shirts were given out. Many generous hearts and hands responding to the goodness within made the blessings all possible!

Written by J. Smith and P. Peplinski

PLEASE NOTE: We are in need of more volunteers to help with our clothing ministry.  To volunteer, fill out the volunteer application form and send it in by e-mail or snail mail.