We are getting ready for the second semi-annual shipment to Norton. Thanks to the amazing generosity of this community, we are ready to load the trailer. The process will start on the evening of Wednesday, Oct 25 and continue each evening and again on that Sat. until the job is finished. That means two requests to everyone: 1. Storage space has become minimal. So, if you have things you want to donate and could possibly hang on to them until the trailer arrives, on or about Oct. 25, we will be sure your items get onto the trailer. 2. Loading the trailer takes a lot of hands. There are four storage locations that need to be emptied. That means putting items on a truck; bringing them to the trailer, loading them into the trailer; go back and get some more. More hands make a lighter load. All hands - teenagers and older - are welcome.
Specific times and dates that help is needed will be made available later. Mary Beth Adkins, the Director of Family Crisis Support Center, in Norton, is very excited that a truck load of help is headed her way! If you have questions, concerns or suggestions please feel free to call Kathy Renigar at 757 376-7160.
The Norton Ministry
For almost 25 year the people of St. Therese have generously supported this ministry with their donations of household items. It all started with a repetitious dream experienced by a long time parishioner. What he could remember from the dream was the fact that people somewhere needed assistance. Then, on an annual trip to visit family in Kentucky, he and his wife happened to stop in the city of Norton where they met two nuns who were doing all they could to provide the physical, monetary and emotional needs of a community where coal mining, the primary industry was disappearing and poverty was quickly taking over. As of the 2000 census 22.8% of the population lives below the poverty level.
Our assistance began with household items being loaded into the trunks of a couple cars which made the 71/2 hour trek to the only city in Wise County Virginia situated in the foothills of the Applachians. That assistance effort has expanded over the years, thanks to the generosity of this parish, to us being able to fill an eighteen wheeler once or twice a year.
It’s spring cleaning time! Most of us are very blessed and own so much more than we need. As you start to clean out, downsize or whatever, please keep the folks in Norton in mind. They appreciate anything and everything we can spare. Any/all household items: furniture, appliances, curtains, linens, dishes, pots & pans, clothes, books, etc…
There is a group of amazing gentlemen with pick up trucks who would be happy to come pick up the items you’d like to donate. Call Kathy at 757-376-7160 when you need a pick up. This is our opportunity to live the Gospel of Matthew - “And the King will say to them in reply, ‘Amen I say to you, whatever you did for one of these the least brothers of mine, you did for me.’” Matt 25:40 Again Luke tells us “...Whoever has two tunics should share with the person who has none. …” Lk 3:11
Items Needed:
Paper products (toilet paper, paper towels, napkins)
Microwaveable food items and individually wrapped snacks
Pull-ups in all sizes
Pillows and pillowcases
Thank you for your continued support!!
Suggestions, corrections or comments? Please call 757 488 2553 or contact us at [email protected]
