22Oct2019 Read more The Deep Well Project Karen and Mike Mazzei Like Tracey's story, as a member of council, we had a little extra time to consider where to share our God's Work donation. That did not make the decision any easier! I wanted to help those in poverty, perhaps the homeless, but also help with a group that adds community to their lives. After some research I discovered The Deep Well Project, a volunteer run agency in our winter-time community of Hilton Head Island. The Deep Well Project was founded in 1973, digging wells to provide clean, safe water for the Hilton Head Island community. Since then, it has been the source of emergency assistance to the local community and is supported by individuals, businesses, religious institutions, foundations, clubs, schools and various other organizations. They no longer dig wells, but serve the marginalized in our community with money to pay bills, a food pantry, laundry and shower facilities, home repair help, children's programs, and much more. We matched the church's $100 check and I have volunteered to help in the pantry on Fridays this winter. I can't wait to see what God has in store. Comment
21Oct2019 Read more Help and Hope for MEAC The Hatcher family Ava, Alex and I decided to gift our check to the Madisonville Education and Assistance Center (MEAC). We were introduced to MEAC when Ava's girl scout troop helped with their food pantry. We were impressed with the much needed services they provided. MEAC's mission is to offer help and hope to our neighbors in crisis. They provide immediate help with basic needs and also provide education for ongoing, continued support. Offering help and hope is exactly what Good Shepherd wanted to help spark with the "God's Grace Your Hands" campaign so we thought MEAC was the perfect place to receive this gift. Comment
15Oct2019 Read more More Support for FreeStore Carolyn M. Kercsmar I deeply believe that no one, especially no child, in this country should go hungry. The Freestore Foodbank supports a number of area food pantries, including the one at Taft school and the new one at Cincinnati Children's Hospital. I donated my check to Freestore Foodbank and matched the $100 amount. Terrific mission project! Comment
10Oct2019 Read more More Grace for The Freestore Foodbank Joanne L. Reider I decided to give to one of my favorite charities - Freestore Foodbank. I tried to think how this gracious gift would do the most good. I decided that since one cannot have good health without good food, I would give to the Freestore Foodbank where they provide three meals for every dollar. So the $250. would turn into 750 meals. The Freestore Foodbank also helps to provide some of the food for the Taft Elementary School food pantry of which Good Shepherd supports. Comment
4Oct2019 Read more Taft Elementary and the Free Store Food Bank Anne Miller Dick and I feel strongly about reducing hunger, especially given the high level of hunger affecting children in our community. For that reason, we considered organizations that work in this area. Last week, after a visit with our adopted classes at Taft Elementary, I was given a tour of the local food pantry at Taft. Freestore Foodbank provides the wonderful variety of food for this pantry, which services families in the neighborhood. It is staffed by GSLC members, led by Bill and Kathy Shuman. When I saw this facility, I decided our gift should go to support the efforts of the Freestore Foodbank. Comment
4Oct2019 Read more Operation Give Back Larrick Family When we received the $250 check from the God’s Grace Your Hands initiative, we immediately thought of Operation Give Back, a local faith based educational charity. Their mission is to strive for educational equity and provide community outreach to students and families in need, inspiring all to realize their full potential and GIVE BACK to society. They serve children K-8 in the Sycamore School District with tutoring support and the geographic area with a Back to School Supply distribution (this year they gave a backpack of supplies to 512 children!) OGB’s other large endeavor is a Christmas Shop where needy families can obtain clothing and toys that they might not be able to provide for their children. They also have a food pantry and assist with sending food home with children in the local schools so they do not go hungry. Our family has supported this charity with school supplies, clothes, toys and participated in fundraisers but receiving a tour when I presented the money highlighted even more ways we can volunteer and support this worthy charity. Comment
1Oct2019 Read more Thanks from NEEDS Carol Topp I'm the treasurer for NEEDS, North East Emergency Distribution Services, a food pantry and emergency financial assistance charity that serves our neighbors in north east Cincinnati. NEEDS was honored to receive a $100 donation from Good Shepherd Lutheran Church via Carroll Grimes. Mr Grimes is a former volunteer for NEEDS, doing shopping trips to buy food for our pantry. Since he can no longer drive, he served NEEDS in this very tangible way. We appreciate his years of volunteering and his compassionate heart for our neighbors in need. The donation will go to help families with an emergency financial need for rent or utilities. And it will go toward buying perishable fruit, vegetables, meat and dairy to feed families. Good Shepherd and Carroll are helping NEEDS be the hands of Jesus in our city. Thank you! Comment