The Practicalities of Caring

With the COVID-19 pandemic, it seems like new needs arise every day, and each need is more different than the last. This is, in part, why we started the COVID-19 Relief Provider Conference Call, and why we set the frequency at three times each week. The newest need we saw was for our newest little additions in our community.

With the changes in hours and staffing that many stores, organizations, and agencies are facing, it’s become more challenging for mothers in our community to acquire diapers and wipes for their babies. We were seeing an increase in young mothers who walk to the Mercy House with their infant or small children seeking a hot meal or groceries and asking for these necessary items for their young ones. With our supplies quickly running out, Angela Gilchrist, our Director of Programs, mentioned on one of our conference calls that we had a very pointed need in this area.

It seemed like no time had passed before Ms. Katherine Akin of Christ Church Anglican reached out to us to say this is a need they would like to meet. And meet it they did! Christ Church bought all of the diapers and wipes that Costco would allow and in enough sizes to ensure that regardless of the age or size of the child that is walked or carried up the street, they’ll be leaving with diapers that fit.

What a blessing! We care passionately about our little ones too, and clean diapers changed when needed are vital to keeping them healthy and well. Diapers and wipes are far from glamorous, but they are a practical necessity. Caring for others can take on many forms, and we’re grateful for the willing and able hearts of our partners in God’s work that took up this need and met it more abundantly than we could have ever imagined.

Our gratitude cannot be contained.  Thank you, Christ Church Anglican, for all that you do in helping the Mercy House meet the needs of the young and the old.

God Bless,
Pastor Ken Austin