Elks, Rivers and Food Drive

Instead of a needs list, today I want to share about some of the members of our community who have shown great love to us. 

That sounds kind of weird, doesn't it?  Sometimes I catch myself saying things in a way that my husband calls "churchy,"  which basically means that outside of the church walls or a group of church people, you wouldn't find that word or phrase being used.  Since not everyone was raised in church, I try to not use "churchy" words in life because my faith is something I'd like people to not be grossed out by. 

So, I want to share about some of the members of our community who have really been supportive and helpful to Bear Necessities.  (less churchy?  Okay.  Godd.)

The St. Charles Elks Lodge is an amazing group of people.  From the time that they learned that there are hungry kids at John Weldon and that there was a way to help them, they have not stopped serving.  When they show up with food, the donation box is always overflowing and sometimes even the entire foyer of the house.  True to the giving nature that they live by, they have received a grant that they would like to use to purchase Christmas gifts for our kids this year.  It's still uncertain if it will cover all 42 kids but I know that they will do everything in their power to help the kids of Bear Necessities.  My family and I have had the privilege of meeting so many of these wonderful people and count it a privilege to be serving along side them. 

Two Rivers church moved in a couple of years ago next door to Gym Quarters and began reaching out to the John Weldon Community right away holding an Easter Eggstravaganza for anyone that wanted to come.  While we have talked for a while about how best they can serve Bear Necessities, this year they had an offer that we just could not resist.  The wonderful group of people at Two Rivers has offered to provide a Thanksgiving dinner for any of our Bear Necessities families that would like to receive one and many of our families are.  They will be able to pick up a turkey and all the trimmings before Thanksgiving so that they can give thanks for all that God has provided for them this year!  God provides constantly.  Often he does it in ways that aren't what we would choose or even expect but he provides.  I'm so incredibly grateful for the amazing people at Two Rivers Church and their effort to show the love of Jesus in our community!

Finally, John Weldon elementary is such an amazing place with even more amazing people!  Tomorrow, SATURDAY NOVEMBER 9, the Student Council has organized a food drive to take place at Shop 'n Save on Hwy K in Monticello Plaza to support Bear Necessities.  Teachers, staff, parents and students are giving up such valuable Saturday time to stand at the entrances of the store, handing out lists of what we need to every customer that will take one.  So often we get wrapped up in how we can give to something financially, but so often it is our TIME that is needed the most!  I'm so touched at the effort from these who are willing to give of their free time to help their friends.  Ms. Strebeck, the amazing wonderful incredible fourth grade teacher and Student Council Sponsor has worked with Mrs. Pearson, the kind caring excellent fifth grade teacher and Student Council Sponsor to man a twelve hour shift for this food drive.  These wonderful ladies have come and packed bags with their own kids and have seen the difference Bear Necessities makes in the lives of their children as volunteers and their students as recipients. 

In light of the food drive tomorrow, I am not posting a needs list today but if you would like to give this week, I encourage you to do so by supporting our wonderful friends from John Weldon and stop by Shop 'n Save tomorrow between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.

Student Council Food Drive 
November 9, 2013
Shop 'N Save - Monticello Plaza
8 a.m. - 8 p.m.

What a blessing it is to serve the Lord in this wonderful community!