Outreach Council

October Gift of the Month

 Children’s Hospital
Children’s Hospital, a not for profit organization, has specialized in children’s health needs since 1937.   The hospital provides wonderful services to the whole region, but entering the doors often indicates an emergency and can be a very scary time.  There are some very simple things we can provide to make the families more comfortable and the time in the hospital a little more pleasant for the children.

 These items must be new for inpatient sanitation.
Comfort Cart for Families                              Humor Cart for the Children
Travel toothpaste & toothbrush                       Puzzle books
Purse size packs of tissue                             Matchbox cars
Pens or pencils &  Small notepads                 Sticker books-Especially the small ones like Dover makes
Small hand sanitizer
Combs

 

Tell the Story

There are so many needs in the world that it is easy to become overwhelmed by deciding what you can do and where to give your support. Sometimes this confusion can even lead to inertia.  The Outreach Council’s “Tell the Story” series is an attempt to remind you that each step we take, and each dollar we give, can truly make a difference.

The Volunteer Ministry Center works to restore dignity and productivity to homeless, mentally ill, and working poor citizens of Knoxville.  VMC programs go beyond meeting basic needs by helping individuals identify and over come challenges, and set goals to make life changes.  However, people can’t make life changes on an empty stomach.  St. Elizabeth’s has been instrumental in feeding the homeless at the VMC day room two days every month.  Following are some of the experiences of the 5th grade class from The Episcopal School of Knoxville when they assisted our volunteers.

Feeding at The Volunteer Ministry Center

Episcopal School of Knoxville - 5th Grade Class

“What I got out of serving there was that I was very lucky to have a home, that I was lucky to have food everyday - breakfast, lunch and dinner.  When I was serving food, I could not believe how many homeless people there were, and I felt lucky.” Sydney

“I think I got a lot out of serving at the VMC. It was very fun and a little challenging. I learned a lot about team work.  I felt good inside after I served a lot of poor, hungry, homeless people.  I think people should help the VMC more often because it could change the world.”  Lauren

“When I served food to all of the homeless people, I was about to cry because I was helping those people to be able to eat. If they didn’t go to the VMC, they would be eating out of garbage cans.    Whenever I handed a person some food, they would smile and say, ‘Dear God Bless this child,’ and when they said that I could feel a drop of water coming down along my face and down to my mouth.  You should go to the VMC too to help feed them just like I did.” Olivia

“I got to see the joy on the people’s face.  It not only helped me for an experience but the people got food and were very happy.” Katherine

“While working at the VMC and serving all those people, I realized that we are very fortunate. We go to a private school, we have a fresh warm meal cooked for us every day, we get to go home and sleep on a nice warm bed and a whole lot of other things many other people aren’t fortunate enough to have.  It warmed my heart to see the smiles on their faces, and it amazed me how little food we had left after all those people came through that line.  I also think that it probably warmed their hearts too and made them realize that someone really cares about them.”  Lauren

“I saw how some people’s lives were. While some of us can afford shelter, food and can have an education, some people can’t. I think that the VMC is saving some peoples lives by helping them get a job and shelter and feeding them while they do that.  I think every time someone helps them, it helps change their life.”  Ian

“I knew what to expect at the VMC because on Thanksgiving I served at the FISH pantry.  Both times I noticed how different people seemed. They needed food and tried to be kind to us. I learned both times how fortunate we are.  I think this helped them learn there are people in the world who care.” Jeremey

“I got love and thankfulness from serving the people at the VMC.  I think what the people were thinking was these kids are very nice. I would love to go back.” Connor

“At the VMC I got a bunch of smiles from the people. I also got a good feeling that I was doing a great thing and helping every one.  I think it made the people a lot happier that people still care for them.  It made them feel like they were at home and being served by their family.” Andrew

Serving lunch at the VMC really made me realize that I should be thankful for what I have.  I think that this really lifted the hearts of all the people there to see that we care about them.  Another thing I got out of serving there was that it feels really good to help those in need.”  Briston

FISH

FISH, an all-volunteer organization made up of 37 churches, provided 82,000 hungry Knoxvillians with a 3-day supply of food last year.  Each day requests go unfilled, not because there isn’t enough food, but because there aren’t enough workers to distribute it. With more help, relief could be given to people who are desperate and hungry in Knoxville. 

 

Delivering FISH

The mystical number three

There are three reasons I began delivering food bags for FISH.  First, drivers are always needed and difficult to recruit due to the time frame in which the deliveries are made.  Second, we’ve all been asked over the years to identify our gifts and talents.  Nothing in particular stands out in my mind, but I can drive!  Third, Steven and I were looking for an outreach activity we could do together and where there was a need for volunteers.  FISH delivery seemed to fit.

 Do you sometimes wonder if we are helping or enabling?

People have asked, “Don’t you deliver to the same people all the time?”  I can say I have not been to the same home twice.  These bags are very basic in their contents intended to meet emergency food needs for three days.  If some people do request food bags frequently, then they must be in a desperate situation.

Only God knows someone’s heart.  Like someone dealing with grief, outward appearances can be deceiving.  Yes, they may have a car and a cell phone.  Without the car they may not be able to get to a job or job interview.  Without the phone, there is no way for a potential employer to reach them.  Don’t pay the utility bill and it will be disconnected.  So, what can one do when the money is gone and food is no longer in the pantry?

There but for the Grace of God

Imagining myself in their shoes… how difficult it must be to make that phone call for help.  When I deliver bags to an elderly man or woman living alone, I wish the bags held more than the basics.  What is their favorite dessert or fresh vegetable that they can’t get?  But they don’t seem to dwell on what is not in those bags.  No.  Mostly I see the humanity and gratitude in their eyes as they thank me and add “God bless you” as I turn to leave.

Really, it is safe and easy

Delivering food bags for FISH requires very little of us; two hours once a month at the most.  If it gives even one person hope and faith in humanity, any amount of time would be time well spent.

What can I do? 

St. Elizabeth’s takes calls and makes food deliveries for FISH the second Wednesday of each month.  You are invited to ride along with someone making deliveries to check it out before you decide if this ministry is for you, and there is an instruction sheet explaining the process. If you would like to make a donation, FISH can use financial assistance too.  To learn more or to sign up contact Ellen Morar at 675-1821.

Lynda and Steven Inman


On the second Wednesday of each month, St. Elizabeth’s and Church of the Savior take calls for the FISH pantry for food delivery. The calls are received between 9am and 11am. The food is delivered in the afternoon by two person teams. We need additional delivery teams to be able to continue to support the number of requests we receive. It only requires an hour or two of your time each month.

If you are interested in helping with FISH deliveries or would like more information about what is required, please contact Ellen Morar (675-1821 or emorar@chartertn.net).