FAMILY PROMISE/IHN OF TOLEDO
By Marilyn McAfee
Families cannot escape feeling helpless and hopeless when they have hungry mouths to feed and are experiencing homelessness. That is what many in the Toledo area are feeling today. Family Promise/Interfaith Hospitality Network helps to ease some of the fears by offering a hot meal, a warm bed and a safe place to sleep. Thanks to Jean Burtch, Catherine McCornack, Judy Stuart, Connie Winslow and Carol Yeager we warmed the hearts and tummies of 4 adults and 6 children (three families) at Pilgrim church on September 26. It was perfect timing to have left-over chicken from the Fairgreen Chicken BBQ. As one family left for the bus stop at 6:00 AM the following morning, they said “thank you…you just made our Thanksgiving that we missed last year! EVERYTHING was so good”. It‟s hospitality and caring; a touch on the shoulder, a warm smile, making all feel welcome. Reaching out in mission; so easy and so important! It is the hands and feet of God.
Speaking of feet, thanks to the Ken Campbell's, the Len Andersons, the Durrants and Catherine McCornack for sponsoring me in the Give them Shelter fundraiser. I walked the 3.5 miles around Ottawa Park on Saturday, October 8th with my granddaughter Elizabeth and great-grandson Aiden. And who should come whipping by just toward the end of the walk was Julie Murray. It was “cool-down” time for her as we chatted the balance of the walk. Thanks Julie and thanks again to Fairgreen for supporting Family Promise of Greater Toledo.
Speaking of feet, thanks to the Ken Campbell's, the Len Andersons, the Durrants and Catherine McCornack for sponsoring me in the Give them Shelter fundraiser. I walked the 3.5 miles around Ottawa Park on Saturday, October 8th with my granddaughter Elizabeth and great-grandson Aiden. And who should come whipping by just toward the end of the walk was Julie Murray. It was “cool-down” time for her as we chatted the balance of the walk. Thanks Julie and thanks again to Fairgreen for supporting Family Promise of Greater Toledo.
