The volunteers at what the church called “The Great Giveaway” replied: “God’s gift of love to us is free; we’re just sharing his love in this way.”
The congregation’s Women Ministries group decided to hold “The Great Giveaway.” When they asked for donations from the church, the congregation gave generously. Boxes and bags piled up in the church.
A large crew of volunteers of all ages organized the donations. Toy room coordinators five-year-old Anna Malon and three-year-old Kylee Reynolds, sorted and set out the donations in their area.
Coordinator Nancy Ellis said the customers told her the items were going to make a difference in their lives. One woman picked out clothes for her fiancé to wear to a job interview, and a man who recently had been injured in a car accident found a recliner he needed, but could not have afforded.
“A young lady happily chose a Bible exclaiming that it was the one she had been hoping to have one day,” Ellis said. “A volunteer was able to counsel her on where to begin reading.” Shoppers also left with a bag in which was placed a tract and homemade loaf of bread made by a church member.
Organizers hope the event will change the lives of the people who attended, but the giveaway already has changed the church’s approach to the community and people in need. “We’ll never have another regular rummage sale again,” Ellis said.
