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Salem, Oregon First Christian Church has a “Snack Bag Ministry” that is coordinated with other churches in the community. On Monday and Tuesday each week this ministry team prepares the sack “lunches”, and homeless or needy individuals stop by a window that was prepared to “hand over” the food items. Other churches in Salem will have the same type of service on other days of the week. We do have other churches in the community that keep food pantries available for individuals or families to “shop” for foods. I have not learned how they set up these pantries and how they get the space and volunteers to run it.
Salem, Oregon First Christian Church’s Christian Womens Fellowship Circles organize a “Rummage Sale” each fall. The predominant donations received from the community are clothing, however we also have a huge “houseware” section as well. Shoppers at our sale include many different groups in the community, including individuals who come to purchase large boxes of clothes to send to their home country (mainly Mexico). We typically have a “bag sale”, so any amount of clothing that can be packed into a standard shopping paper sack will cost $10. If the shoppers are experiencing short funds, they can offer a price, or take the clothing free. The same is true for many housewares that include basic essentials needed to set up a kitchen. Tools are also donated, as well as jewlry, pottery, garden supplies, etc. This annual sale typically results in approximately $2000 that we donate to local non-profit organizations. Left-overs from our sale are donated to the local shops that feature used clothing and items. We consider this a clothing ministry because the prices are set very low, and if needy folks are unable to pay, they will still acquire what they need. The proceeds over expenses go to other community organizations helping folks in need. It takes many volunteers to make this project work, however it is extremely reawarding. Once established with the materials needed: signage, bags, posters, advertisement, volunteer sign-ups for “sorting days” and on-site sale workers, and storage area for a month before the sale, we fall into the “groove” each year.
