My Body & Soul Toiletry Pantry A Ministry of Bay Harbour United Methodist Church

Transcription

1 My Body & Soul Toiletry Pantry A Ministry of Bay Harbour United Methodist Church Background Information: This community outreach ministry began in Nov to help struggling families with free basic care items and baby care items. These items are not covered by food stamps but are essential to everyday living - things many of us often take for granted. Our main goal, however, is to provide these families with a place to share their burdens and renew their spirit. Many clients just need encouragement, a friendly smile or hug, a safe place to vent, or someone to pray with/for them. Our goal is to be their answered prayer and provide them with HOPE for the future. Originally, MBS partnered with local social service agencies and schools who referred clients to our pantry based on specific criteria. These agencies still refer clients, but now many of our families come to us by word of mouth. Currently, we are serving approximately 16 families each day we are open, with a total client base of approximately 250. Client referrals are made based on the following circumstances: The client is... 1) A single parent 2) Elderly with little or no family support 3) In between jobs, but actively seeking employment 4) Has temporary employment but cannot adequately support the family 5) Suffering the consequences of an unforeseen tragedy (i.e. fire, hurricane, death of a family member) 6) Disabled or has an illness preventing them from working Once clients are referred to us, they are presented with a voucher and are assigned points to spend at the pantry based on the number of family members living in the home. For example, a family of 3 will receive 30 points, and a family of 7 may receive 50 points. Additional points are giving to those families who have children age 3 years and under to use for diapers and other childcare items. The client then chooses items from our inventory and a volunteer pulls the items. During each visit, a client interview is conducted to look for other needs our church family may be able to further assist the family with such as a bible, furniture, infant car seats, gas gift cards, alcohol/substance abuse help, etc. These requests are turned in to Karen Tyler at Bay Harbour UMC to be reviewed. She then looks for ways to meet these needs. At the conclusion of the interview, we pray with the client and then they are given their chosen items.

2 Special Projects: The MBS pantry has periodically sponsored special projects for our families throughout the year such as school supplies and backpacks in August, Christmas assistance in November/December, Children s bibles also in November/December, and this December, we partnered with the Girl Scout Troop at our church for the One Warm Coat collection and distribution that benefitted our clients. We also have several volunteers who have started a baby blanket ministry within our own volunteer base to give to families who have a newborn baby. We also distribute gently used children s clothing, shoes, and coats year-round. Hours of Operation: The pantry hours are Tuesdays and Thursdays of each week from 9-noon and the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of each month, 9-noon. All shifts are covered by 5-6 awesome volunteers! We are always looking for new volunteers, so I encourage you to prayerfully consider working with us! (All volunteers are trained before interviewing clients.) Most of our inventory is provided by donations. The Hwy. 96 Kroger Grocery Store has held several drives for us, and our Children s Ministry at our church has held several collections on our behalf. We are also currently working to partner with the Houston Food Bank in order to purchase these personal care items at a discounted rate. However, any help from area churches and/or social service organizations would be greatly appreciated! Location: The My Body & Soul Toiletry Pantry is a ministry of Bay Harbour United Methodist Church, located at 3459 Deke Slayton (FM 518 Rd. E), League City, TX We operate out of a portable building located behind the church. The church phone number is , and the church website is

3 Items needed: Our main goal at the My Body & Soul Pantry is to be someone s answered prayer. Any and all donations are a blessing to our clients and to our ministry! Here is a list of items that can be bought or repackaged from new or unused portions from home. * items are most needed. *toilet paper *paper towels bars of soap shampoo deodorant men s and women s razors men s and women s shaving cream toothpaste adult and kids toothbrushes adult and kids *laundry detergent (32 load liquid) *dish liquid *diapers (size NB, 1, 2, *3, *4, *5, and *6) *baby wipes *baby wash/shampoo feminine napkins and tampons *During winter months, we would also like to collect boxes of tissue and hand sanitizer. A way for children to get involved is to donate small toys that we offer to all kids under the age of 12 at the pantry. These can include fast food meal toys, left over party favors, or Dollar Store toys. Thank you for considering working with us at the My Body & Soul Toiletry Pantry at Bay Harbour UMC. Your partnership would be a great assistance to our ministry, and we look forward to working with those who serve God by serving others! Blessings, Gina Hoover MBS Volunteer Coordinator ginahoover03@yahoo.com

4 Referring Agency/Church: My Body & Soul Toiletry Pantry A Ministry of Bay Harbour United Methodist Church Located at 3459 FM 518 Rd E League City, TX *Bring this flyer to the MBS pantry located behind Bay Harbour United Methodist Church to receive free personal care and baby care items. My Body & Soul Pantry hours are: Tuesdays and Thursdays 9:00am noon and The 2 nd and 4 th Saturdays of each month, 9:00 noon *Pantry is located in the portable building behind the church. *Please contact Karen Tyler at for more information.

5