Giving Dandelions

The little 3-year-old boy, with a smile bursting off his cheeks, came bounding through the Blessings for Children house doors. One hand was pulling his mother, and the other was holding out a dandelion, his gift to those of us serving that day. It could not have been more joyfully given or joyfully received! Each week there is the opportunity of a “gift/blessing exchange” going on at the #10 2nd Street house. Our volunteers are sharing their love of Christ through giving their time and helping to distribute needed items to the families with children who visit us. They provide the warmth of a welcoming smile, a listening ear, and a heart full of the love of Christ, ready to hear and help the families and children in any way they can. You, our church family, share the gift of prayer to strengthen and encourage this ministry and our prayer team prays for the needs our families share. You give financially to this ministry or donate items that keep emptied bins and bookshelves filled so we can say “yes” to the next family in need. Our families we serve never leave without giving gracious thanks for the blessings our church is sharing and so many times return with outgrown children’s clothes, diapers, toys, and books for other families to be blessed. We are blessed to be on the giving and receiving end of countless gifts. Whether at Blessings for Children or in the many other opportunities at church and in our community. May we share them like that precious, joy-filled boy giving his dandelion!

If you would like to join us in helping our area’s children in need at Blessings for Children, here are some ways to consider:  
 

• Please pray for the ministry and all who participate. Be on the lookout for families you can refer to us for assistance.

• Consider donating items we distribute to the children: diapers (size 4, 5, and 6 in particular), pull-ups, wipes, school supplies, children sized t-shirts, socks and underwear, children’s toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, and toilet paper. A complete list of items we distribute can be found at shalimar-umc.org/blessings-for-children. You can donate items by stopping by the #10 2nd Street house behind the church any Wednesdays from 11:30am - 3:30pm. Children’s bibles, bible stories, and activity books are always a joy to receive and distribute. Spanish language Bibles are always needed!

• A financial gift designated to Blessings for Children through the church allows us to replenish the needed items we distribute weekly.          

               
New volunteers are always welcome, with no regular commitment required.

For additional information
Mary Jane Robertson
Email: mjr53@cox.net
Visit: shalimar-umc.org/blessings-for-children
Phone: (850) 499-6173
Open every Wednesday 12 - 3:30 pm