Belts are a Blessing!

It was her first time visiting our Blessings for Children ministry, and she had three children who needed blessings we had to share: t-shirts, underwear, socks, personal care items, and school supplies, but then she asked if we could help with a children’s belt. Her children were slim, and their pants were falling because they did not have a belt. I explained we stocked and offered particular items that we hoped would help meet a family’s needs, but unfortunately, belts were not something we had or even something I had ever seen come through our ministry in any donations. She understood and began looking through our Treasure Chest bins while we waited for her items to be gathered by our volunteers. (Treasure Chest bins are gently used clothing or child-related items that people generously share with us; many of those sharers are the families our ministry has blessed.) Suddenly, there was a scream, and I turned to look. She was holding up a children’s stretch belt with the biggest grin on her face! She said it was buried at the very bottom of the bin, and it was exactly what she needed for her children to share. Thank you, Jesus, for knowing and finding a way to provide for every need!

If you would like to join us in helping our area’s children in need at Blessings for Children, here are some ways to consider:  
 

• Please pray for the ministry and all who participate. Be on the lookout for families you can refer to us for assistance.
• Consider donating items we distribute to the children: diapers (size 4, 5, and 6 in particular), pull-ups, wipes, school supplies, children sized t-shirts, socks and underwear, children’s toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, lice treatment kits, and toilet paper. A complete list of items we distribute can be found at shalimar-umc.org/blessings-for-children. You can donate items by stopping by the #10 2nd Street house behind the church any Wednesdays from 11:30am - 3:30pm.
• Children’s bibles, bible stories, and activity books are always a joy to receive and distribute. Spanish language Bibles are always needed!
• A financial gift designated to Blessings for Children through the church allows us to replenish the needed items we distribute weekly.          

               
New volunteers are always welcome, with no regular commitment required.

For additional information
Mary Jane Robertson
Email: mjr53@cox.net
Visit: shalimar-umc.org/blessings-for-children
Phone or text: (850) 499-6173
Open every Wednesday 12 - 3:30 pm