by Craig Cowles, Twice Blessed Store Manager (CCowles@rrumc.org)
Everyone knows there are people in poverty in Cleveland. But the U.S. Census Bureau recently released new data on income and poverty, and conditions are not improving.
Cleveland ranks 2nd (behind only Detroit) in poverty rates of large U.S. cities at 33.1%.
And then, when the data is refined to focus on the number of children under the age of 18 who live in a household that is under the poverty threshold, Cleveland ranks 1st, or the worst, at 50.5%.
At Twice Blessed Free Store (TBFS), we see these statistics in the flesh because we average nine new families signing up to shop with us every Saturday.
We all understand that a clean shirt, new underwear, or a good set of pots and pans cannot take a family out of poverty. It also takes support in resource areas such as health, family, education, faith, finances, and many more to break the cycle of poverty.
What a pair of shoes in good condition or clean bedding can do for a family is provide emotional and financial support, that will then help them to move forward with their lives with some peace of mind that they don’t have to worry about meeting that need.
While God is clearly changing the hearts and lives of all who are in contact with TBFS, He needs our hands and feet to carry out His plans! Here are a few ways you can be a part of making a difference:
Pray: Joys & concerns from our TBFS families fill our Prayer Wall each week. If you are not at the Free Store during the week, it is a part of the weekly prayer email sent out by RRUMC on Friday afternoons. You can sign up for that email on the church website. You may not know the names or situations that are being faced, but God knows and loves them all.
Donate: Fall is here and winter approaches! Please adjust your clothing and small household item donations to TBFS accordingly. Check out our Facebook page (@twiceblessedfs) to see what items are currently in high demand. You can donate at RRUMC during normal weekday hours or at TBFS on Mondays from 10:00am to 1:00pm, or Saturdays from 9:00am to 1:00pm. Financial donations help us buy personal care essentials and supplies that support our ever-growing ministry.
Volunteer: Do you have an upcoming Monday off or a free Saturday? Sign up to serve at Twice Blessed Free Store! We sort incoming donations and restock the store on Mondays from 9:30am to 1:00pm. Shopping and worship occur on Saturdays from 9:00am to 1:00pm. Sign up to be a shopper assistant, sorter, organizer, greeter, or work at check out/in. For either Mondays or Saturdays, contact Craig Cowles at CCowles@rrumc.org for more information and to sign up.