Fire Response Update
From League Street Church of Christ
Clothing Ministry
by: Minister Jerry Savage
Shortly after the tragic fire at the Quail Ridge Apartments last Sunday, the Red Cross and the Salvation Army shifted into high gear, much of which could be seen in action just down the street at the Church of the Nazarene on League Street. Soon after, our phones at the League Street church of Christ began to be inundated with calls from those wishing to donate to those displaced by the fire. Clothes, toys, furniture, bedding and much more began to flow in to our clothing room, which is usually open to the public one day a week for free shopping. Because of the emergency need, our staff and many volunteers have been moving at light speed to process the donations and make them available to the victims every day this week. It is midweek and our shelves are overflowing. The phones are still ringing and the donations are still coming in every hour. What a community!
Having just moved to this community I have been amazed at the cooperation and benevolence of the towns people toward the effort of filling the needs of those displaced by the fire. One family of seven, living in a 700 square foot home, donated most of their clothes. Others donated clothing items fresh from the retail stores. Many have called (and are still calling) requesting a list of needs that they could fill.
Truly something amazing resides in this community. Not every town is like this. Not every culture thinks this way. When people of every race, religion, age and income level show up at the steps of our clothing room at the same time to give what they can, it is a beautiful thing to behold. It seems that, deep down, in all of us, there is a unifying "force" that bubbles up every now and then and helps us to rise above typical stereotypes and brings us together for a purpose greater than ourselves.
Whatever the motivation, whatever the "force", I am very impressed with the Overflowing Heart of this community, and proud to be a resident.
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