Pay it Forward Event

Pay it Forward  

My home church, Faith Community Church, put on a event called "Pay it Forward." Over the past  few months we have been collecting different items such as clothing, housewares, furniture, blankets, toys, etc.   All of these items were donated. This event was planned to bless those in need. We know that in today's economy many people could use a little bit of extra help and we wanted to be able to do something about it. The cool thing is that people in our community also wanted to help. It was amazing to see all the donations that poured in...especially as the event got closer. 

I am proud to be a part of the FCC  family. So many people from our congregation came together to set up for this event on Wednesday night. Tons of people were hanging clothes and organizing other items. It was a lot of work going through the boxes of stuff donated and it took many more hours throughout the weeks before to get things ready. I am so blessed to work alongside a few people who did take the time out of their hectic week to  make sure things were ready. I am especially blessed to have helped my best friend/youth pastor work on things during Thanksgiving break.

We were not sure what kind of turnout we would have or even how things would go. But we hoped for the best! 

This morning , people were lined up outside at 7:30ish for an event that didn't even start till 9. It was kind of intimidating! 

Turns out today, 300+ people came through the doors of FCC to a jam-packed gymnasium where every item was free for the taking. 

Now I know what your thinking...WHAT CHAOS! Ha don't worry...they were let into the gym gradually...no black Friday stampedes happened here! 

It was awesome to see people enjoying the opportunity to even just get used items. A lot of people desperately needed this stuff just to get by. 

I know a lot of times we focus a lot more on people in other countries who are less fortunate, but sometimes we have to remember there are people struggling right next door to us. They may have clean drinking water and a roof over their heads, and we should all be thankful for that. But people here in America need help too.  This event wasn't just about helping people either, it was about showing God's love in a tangible way. A way that people could experience a taste of what God's love is like.

 Thank you-- to all of you who volunteered today and for those who donated time, energy, and the items that helped make it all possible!