NICK PEASE, CARE CENTER STAFF
Every week hundreds of families visit the Grace Care Center. Some visit when a crisis hits, while many others simply come to make ends meet. They come from many places and they come for many reasons. But for those that return, they know they will be cared for and receive items that greatly benefit them and their families.
And so, they come. Week after week they come for the milk, eggs, and meat. They come for the produce, the cereal, and other sought-after items like detergent. And yes, they come for the love, compassion, and care that they receive from our amazing volunteers.
And oh yes, the diapers. They come for the diapers.
It is not uncommon to see a mother pushing her cart through the pantry with three, four, or five packages of diapers piled high in her cart. To help supplies last, and to help as many families as possible, Care Center volunteers split donated packages of diapers into bags of 15. This allows families to use their points on multiples packages as well as multiple sizes.
But even so, these strategies only go so far. It is not uncommon to have a family ask for an extra pack of diapers or to be completely out of size 6 diapers by Wednesday morning. Diapers are a vital need for our families. And a costly need which we are blessed to help provide.
Once again, we are asking you to help us meet this need by donating to our annual diaper drive. This year we are asking specifically for size 5 diapers, size 6 diapers, and wipes. We need you to join us because we know that providing diapers is doing so much more than meeting a material need.
We see it every week in the Care Center.
The first time Carrie came to us, she was clearly weary. Her focus was downward- on her worn shoes, and the tip of the crutch that had become a permanent part of her life. Her two-year-old daughter scrambled around playfully as she tried to hold it together. She came to the church for help. And to her relief – she found it. In the Care Center, she found love, acceptance, and warmth. During her initial visit, she met volunteers who embraced her, programs to help her move forward, and a food pantry to take some pressure off her shoulders. She received prayer, acceptance, and necessities for her family. Among those necessities were some bundles of diapers. A desperate need for her two-year-old.
She wrote us to say, “The Co-op, personal growth class, food pantry and all of the wonderful people...in its entirety, the Care Center is a life changing experience!!! I’ve always loved the Lord, but trusting in His ways was always difficult until now! Thank you for helping me grow! I am forever grateful.”
A few weeks later, the same loving cycle started all over again with Anne, another friend visiting the Care Center for the very first time. Anne, a single mother of 6, had been tackling life on her own after going through a divorce. The Care Center provided diapers for her twin 3-year-olds, and her 7-month-old, as well as other basic necessities for her entire family. And in the process, she was overwhelmed with the way that she was loved and cared for. She quickly understood God’s daily provision and Grace the same way Carrie did.
And so, the cycle it continues. Families to come us. They receive lots of love, some milk, and some cereal. And diapers. Lots and lots of diapers. But we know that it’s so much more than that. For our friends like Carrie and Anne, it is more than giving diapers – It is truly giving hope and healing!
One Easy Way to Help
...you guessed it...donate diapers. Last year, we received over 44,000 diapers during our diaper drive. This year, we hope to surpass that number. All you need to do is donate size 5 diapers, size 6 diapers or wipes! Just bring them to any campus and put them in the drop zone. We'll take care of the rest to ensure a family in need receives your generous donation. So, what do you say? Are you in?