Help the homeless in our community this Christmas
Donating to your local homeless population this Christmas is possibly the most meaningful gift you can give. Your blessing will be felt by people who would otherwise experience just another day of survival.
“The homeless are all ages, even kids can be homeless. The schools track kids who are perhaps living with a friend or couch surfing. There are at least 20 homeless people in our community.” said Rev. Joe Sanders of First Baptist Church in Coshocton. “People are in need. We have been associated with a number of helpers, helping people for a lot of years. The Kno-Ho-Co Shelter is housing some and there are a few just on the street. Sometimes we can put them up in a local motel. Our church is a drop off location. We make small packages and pass donations on to Shepherds Christian Assembly on Main Street and The Salvation Army. The Salvation Army has provided Christmas for people for a lot of years. Shepherds Christian Assembly on Main Street provides meals and supplies.”
“There is real need for individual food items that don’t need preparation and I’m talking about things like energy bars, crackers, Vienna Sausage, all that kind of stuff,” Sanders said. “Bottled water is a big thing, not only to drink but they can wash and brush their teeth. Socks and gloves are a huge thing with the homeless right now. Personal care items in travel size containers because they are still finding ways to bathe and still brush their teeth and comb their hair. They need hand lotion, hand warmers, toothbrushes and toothpaste.”
People can also help by donating money to your local homeless shelter that provides supported accommodations and does a wonderful job of providing safe and secure accommodations, food and utilities. The majority are there because of bad circumstances and the majority would like to change their circumstances.
“Jesus commanded us to feed the hungry in Matthew 25, For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me,” Rev Sanders said. “You can contact us here at the church for a complete list of items that are needed.”
Donations can be dropped off at the First Baptist Church, 618 Chestnut St. from 9 a.m. until noon Monday through Thursday or call the church at 740-622-0300.
Helping the homeless particularly at Christmas can be something that you can do either as an individual or as a family or group to spread some Christmas cheer to others.
Category: Faith
