Recovering from Irma
When our community comes together as one, amazing things happen. Last week as we all tried to get back to some sense of normalcy and waited patiently for power to be restored, we saw an outpouring of creative, sacrificial giving. In a time where supplies and funding is short for everyone, we’d like would to share a few examples of creative ways to help. It has been inspiring to us, and we know it will have the same effect on you!
“I was thirsty and you gave me a drink.” -Matthew 25:35
Members of The Universal Church out of Miami dropped off more than 50 cases of water and several boxes of food to our Naples shelter location. They were saving the cases of water to go to Houston for Harvey victims when they saw Irma was going to hit in their own backyard. This is a great example of people coming together and using what they have on hand to help.
“I was shivering and you gave me clothes.” -Matthew 25:36
Several groups that formed on Facebook from all over the Southeast Region drove down carloads of clothing they collected and dropped it off at the Immokalee Friendship House. Group members from Savannah is Home, Plantation Nation & News, and Westin Florida, said they were not affiliated with any church or organization but were “simply citizens who want to do something to help.”.
“I was a sick and you visited me.” -Matthew 25:36
Dr. Maria Scambati, biologist and physician-scientist; Neil Volz and Joshua Henderson, Florida Rights and Restoration Coalition; Don Pine and James Posey, United Mechanical; Ian O’Hanlon, student: Meredith McBride, volunteer decided they would drive their Hummer loaded with water, food, chainsaws, hygiene products and other supplies into the devastation of Chokoloskee, Copeland, and Everglades City to see what they could do to relieve the sickness, heartache, and isolation caused by the storm.
“Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” -Matthew 25:40
This is only the beginning and we still need more help! Some other important ways to help could be holding a fundraiser for St. Matthew’s House, or becoming a monthly supporter. Your business or neighborhood can put together a canned food drive to replenish our pantry. You can get together with friends and family and volunteer your time. You can bake cookies to raise money for the Justin’s Place Discipleship Program. You could donate chainsaws, gloves, protective eye-wear, rakes, and anything else we can use to clean up our community. Or, you may have your own ideas to raise money that could make a huge impact in the relief efforts and day-to-day operations of St. Matthew’s House.
Get creative, and remember that whatever you do for even one of “the least of these”, it’s as if you’ve done it for Jesus Himself. What an honorable and exciting privilege it is to give what we can in times of distress and shortage.
Do you need help? Find out how the St. Matthew’s House family can be there for you in your time of need: Get help here!
Tags: Food Drive, Fundraising, Hurricane Relief, Irma, Ways to Give