Director of Development and Communications, Mission Central
We are so grateful for the generosity and support of UMC churches, pastors and parishioners! Your support has ensured that Mission Central continued to be open throughout this pandemic and continued to serve connecting God’s resources with human need.
During this pandemic, the bright spot has been the “God Moments” we have witnessed. Some of these include:
- At the start of the pandemic, we reached out to hospitals, local police stations, and medical facilities to donate our N95 masks. This program was hugely successful and the need far exceeded what was available. As such, we started a campaign to raise $5,000 for N95 masks. (Our goal was 2,500 masks.) We surpassed that goal and were able to connect over 3,000 N95 masks with those in need.
- The pandemic, we began a program to connect with school districts throughout the conference and provide food, health, hygiene items, clothing, candy, medical supplies (and more!) for those in need. This program began from one phone call and now we have contact with over ten school districts throughout the conference, and we are ready to add more!
- A woman called in dire need of a bi-pap machine for her husband. Their bi-pap had been destroyed in a fire and insurance was unwilling to purchase a new one for him. We have seen a lot of c-pap machines come through the door but no bi-pap machines. While looking through the back, Laurie remembered that three c-pap machines had come in. One was a bi-pap! We were thankful we were able to make that connection.
- A program to combat homelessness called asking for some hygiene items. They were desperately in need as their residents hadn’t been able to shower for 8 weeks due to facility shutdowns. We gave them hygiene items and detergent. Later, they called asking for larger towels. We had only 13 towels but were able to reach out to Bethesda Mission who donated the remainder.
- Bethesda Mission received 300 half-gallon containers of ice cream. They were unable to resource them quickly. Oddly, we had sprinkles, ice cream cups and spoons, but no ice cream! Through this partnership, we were able to provide “Sundaes to Go” for students and families via drive and go!
We continue to see “God Moments” each and every day and they remain bright spots among this pandemic. Thank you for your support. Your financial gifts, donations and prayers are most appreciated!
Mission Central
5 Pleasant View Drive
Mechanicsburg, PA 17050
717.766.1533, x118
