A Wallaceburg community group is stepping up once again to ensure those in need are taken care of.
James Street Ministry has launched their third outreach program, joining the Mom’s Baby Cupboard and Community Meals.
“We have followed through with another community outreach, providing free hats and mitts to people who are in need,” said Janice Murphy, chairperson for the Sharing The Warmth program.
“We have a mailbox, which is located outside of our church. Right outside the main entrance of our church and inside the mailbox, there are hats and mittens that the people in the community are more than welcome to.”
Murphy told the Sydenham Current they got the idea from other communities that have started a similar program.
“We also saw a family who ties hats, mitts and scarves to poles, so we have taken that philosophy from other communities and developed a way to do this on an ongoing basis.”
Murphy said the items are available to anyone and everyone who has a need.
“There should be free hats and mittens there at all times,” she said.
“I think it is a really unique program to bring the community together and help one another out.”
Murphy said they are accepting donations, either monetary or actual items.
“There are some local knitters that have provided us with some hats and mitts and they have said they would be more than happy to help us out.”
Murphy said the Mom’s Baby Cupboard has become a popular initiative in Wallaceburg.
The Baby Cupboard, which was started back in 2010, is open on the second Thursday of each month, from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. Those who are caring for needy babies – mothers, fathers or other caretakers – are not required to belong to any particular affiliation to access the Baby Cupboard. What is required is a particular need due to financial hardship and the inability to meet the need through other community resources such as food banks or other resource centers.
James Street Ministry is also involved with the Community Meals program in Wallaceburg, where churches in the community put on free community meals.
James Street Anglican Church holds their meal the first Friday of every month.
“It’s always a free home cooked meal provided for anyone who is in need in our community,” Murphy said..
If anyone has any questions about the programs offered by James Street Ministries, e-mail the church at jamesstreetministry@bell.net.
– Submitted photo
