 This year, Home Sweet Home Ministries, which owns Mission Mart
stores in Lincoln and Bloomington, decided to change the way they
offer assistance to local ministries. Each store offered shoppers an
opportunity to purchase "Turkey Cards," with a promise that the
money raised locally would stay in the community.Burgess said
Friday that making the change has been a very good thing, not only
for Lincoln but for Bloomington as well. He said that with the
promise that the money would be used locally, both stores doubled
what they brought in this year compared with last year.
Crawford talked about how the money would be used. First, it will
assist with the provision of a Thanksgiving meal this Sunday evening
at the Open Arms church. Crawford said the church has sent out
approximately 1,200 invitations to people in the community, inviting
them to come and enjoy a free turkey dinner with all the trimmings.
He noted that last year was the first time his church had done
this, and they served approximately 300 to 400 meals. He said he
believes the number will grow significantly this year, and the
church is planning for at least double.
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In addition to the meal Sunday, Crawford said meals would be
taken to those in need. Crawford said the churches in Lincoln are
wonderful about working together to help meet the needs of the
community. They do much of this through the local ministerial
association, he said.
All the churches in town have been contacted and asked to notify
Crawford of any members in need who could benefit from a nice
holiday meal. He added that he has a few on the meal delivery list
right now and is expecting more as time passes.
As the check presentation came to a close on Friday, Crawford
added that anyone who wishes to come to dinner Sunday evening is
most certainly welcome.
The Open Arms church is at 311 Broadway St. in Lincoln. Serving
will begin at 4 p.m. Sunday and run through 7 p.m.
[By NILA SMITH] |
