For most of us, the likes of toiletries, towels and cleaning supplies count as “little things.” We hardly give them a second thought. For Simple Needs GA’s clients, though, these items are hugely important.
That’s why we were so thrilled when Christ Lutheran Church, 176 W. Sandtown Rd. SW, recently gave us 72 brand-new pillows donated by its members in the course of just one week after seeing our plea on Facebook.
“We get lots of gently used furniture from our donors, but we don’t accept used pillows and are constantly running short of new ones,” said SNGA founder Brenda Rhodes. “This donation gives us a nice supply for our furniture families. It was fun stashing them all away!”
Brenda also thanked Russ Marshall, a member of the church, for his outstanding contributions to SNGA. “Russ has been invaluable as a volunteer with a truck, doing somuch for us, including putting together cribs for our clients,” Brenda said.
It was Russ who told Paula Bode, chair of the church’s nine-member social committee, about SNGA. Paula describes Christ Lutheran as “a small congregation with a big heart.” Founded in 1983, the church started as the West Cobb Mission. “The first service had 34 people in attendance,” Paula says. Members volunteer at the likes of MUST Ministries and Cobb Street Ministries. They have held blood drives, contributed to the annual Diaper Day event and, last year during Lent, collected funds for Out of Darkness, a ministry of the Atlanta Dream Center focused on fighting sex trafficking.
This year, Christ Lutheran Church made Simple Needs GA the recipient of its generosity during Lent. “We were so honored by that and also by the church’s invitation to have us come speak about our work,” Brenda said. “It was great to meet such warm and caring people. I especially loved the cool birdhouses (PICTURED). What a neat way to collect donations during Lent!”
The church’s mission statement is to be the Body of Christ in word and deed in West Cobb, Paula says. “We are enthusiastic about our mission and it seems whatever we put out to our members they embrace it, as witnessed by the outpouring of pillows,” she said.
One of the church’s members, Julie Ridings, set up a recent Simple Needs GA service day for congregants as well, and youth at the church are planning a similar event. “Julie and the volunteers were fantastic!” Brenda said.
SNGA’s programs that focus on helping people who have emerged from homelessness resonated with many at Christ Lutheran, including Paula. “I know there are many worthy global causes,” she said, “but I’m a huge fan of trying to help what’s right in front of me.”
Thanks again to Christ Lutheran for their kindness and commitment!
Simple Needs GA 