Every day we hear or read about another hit to the economy. The rising cost of necessary food items makes us cringe. Fuel cost continually grows more expensive as the holidays approach. Every day Family Promise of Shawnee receives an increasing number of phone calls from people in dire need of basic items such as food and shelter.Yet, during the past year, when times have been tough on all of us, the giving to Family Promise has not decreased.
Actually, you’d be surprised at who is donating to the program. One of our donors is a disabled woman named Paula. Her care givers drive her to the Family Promise day center and from her wheelchair presents us with whatever is needed at that moment, be it paper towels, laundry detergent, deodorant or shampoo, usually just a few items at a time. She cannot speak nor move, but her smile says it all. Her giving is made all the more special because she is happy to help in the only way she can. Paula is one of the many blessings Family Promise receives as we help homeless families regain housing as well as a renewed sense of hope in our community.
Mary is in her 90s and sends hand sewn pillows for the children in our program. Another woman collects dolls and stuffed animals, cleans them up and brings them out to the day center. Quilting and sewing guilds send comforting blankets and afghans. A couple of retired gentlemen offer themselves as handymen for our day center, and many individuals, organizations, and businesses donate money on a regular monthly basis.
So, thank you to everyone who gave to Family Promise of Shawnee this past year … the special thing about all of you is that you offered what you could when you could through the sacrifice of giving in God’s name.
Patti Marshall
Family Promise of Shawnee
