We think of Neighbors in Need as a Saturday morning ministry. Saturday morning is only possible because of a lot of effort during the entire week. Below are just a few of the mid-week gifts of time.
Monday
Monday is John's visit to the Edmonds Food for stable foods to give to our Neighbors. We wouldn't be open if it weren't for the generosity of Edmonds Food Bank.
Thursday
Thursday is the day that Jude visits Franz bakery outlet to pick up donated bread, muffins, bagels and sweet rolls. Our Neighbors love them.
Thursday (and sometimes on Friday as well) Peggy and Sue are downstairs in room 6 to sort, size, and organize clothing donations so that our Saturday morning clothing bank can be an orderly experience
Friday
Friday is John's trip to Costco to purchase any additional foods that we may need to offer our Neighbors some nutrition. Costco on a Friday? That's courage.
Saturday
Saturday sees a very large background crew. Alan, David, and several Neighbors set up 9 tables and 54 chairs where are Neighbors can enjoy coffee, burritos and companionship. They also set up at least 8 long tables for the food bank, 4 long tables and 15 chairs to form our clothing bank, and finally 2 tables and 4 chairs for our resources .
Jude, Chris, Kyo, Chris and Chuck set up the food bank area for efficient distribution to our Neighbors. This same group, plus Jeff and willing volunteers from our breakfast teams, fill at least 70 grocery bags to be handed to Neighbors.
Rick, Peggy, Sue and Ellie serve as fashion advisors. This a serious gift of genuine care.
Sue, Mark and Tom listen to concerns and advise access to resources for our Neighbors. They offer hope.
And 3 hours later it all gets put away and clean-up begins. It's a busy and very meaningful ministry.
This week, our food bank served 67 Neighbors today and provided a box of groceries to one family.
Thank you to the team from Edmonds Unitarian Universalist Congregation for delicious burritos. They were so popular that we ran out early.
Nurse Gail from Mercy Watch was with us this morning to care for wounds, follow up with Neighbors who are receiving medical care, and especially to listen to our Neighbors health worries. She truly is a life saver.
With gratitude for so very many faithful volunteers
Joan
with NiN leadership
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