Shoe Drive Helps Congregation Make Strides to End Hunger
June 10, 2016
How can shoes help fight hunger? After participating in a Stop Hunger Now meal-packing event at the New Wilmington Mission Conference, Judy Koontz wanted to host an event like that in Redstone Presbytery. But to do that, $10,000 was needed. So the question arose: How do you raise that much money when so many churches are struggling to meet their own budgets?
She heard about a company that would pay 50 cents a pound for reusable footwear. She asked, and Presbyterian Women started collecting shoes. With more than 30 churches collecting shoes, more than two tons of shoes were recycled. But more funds were needed to reach the goal. The same company then said that it also recycled clothing, so that was added to the project.
Churches and individuals sent checks. As the date for the meal-packing event got closer, Redstone Presbyterian Women held a rummage sale, volunteers from 10 churches hosted a tea party, and the annual hunger walk in our small town donated the money to Stop Hunger Now. In the end, we raised $13,357.27; over 40,000 meals were packed with the help of 150 volunteers. Water filters were purchased with the extra money.
We didn’t know how this project would be possible when we started, but God always provides a way for those who pray and listen. It was great to see so many people working together to serve others.
Sylvia Carlson, Redstone Presbytery Mission Committee
Let us join in prayer for:
Presbytery staff:
Rev. Richard “Skip” Noftzger Jr. , Executive Presbyter/Stated Clerk
Bobbie Martin, Office Administrator/Bookkeeper
PC(USA) Agencies’ Staff
Mark Thomson, PMA
Paula Tibbs, PMA
Let us pray
Thank you, Lord, for always being there to listen when we need your help. It is good to know you will provide what we need if we just go to you in prayer. It is a blessing to be your hands and feet in this world. Amen.
Daily Lectionary
Morning Psalms 84; 148
First Reading Ecclesiastes 11:9-12:14
Second Reading Galatians 5:25-6:10
Gospel Reading Matthew 16:21-28
Evening Psalms 25; 40