Have you ever needed something, but didn't ask because you thought what you needed was too big? Or maybe too expensive? Or maybe you thought asking would be too much of a burden to put on someone else? If so, you are not alone. NOW... What if someone were to call you out of the blue to ask you if you needed the exact thing you were too afraid to ask for?? That is what happened last week... PLEASE keep reading... (This is Operation Pretty Things in action!!)
I got a text from my big brother, who is in full-time ministry, at Port City Community Church, in Wilmington NC. Someone had contacted him to see if he knew of anyone in need of a washer and dryer. He knows that OPT serves women in shelters all over the coastal region of NC and thought I might have someone in need. I reached out to my shelter reps, and sure enough...a women and her two daughters (10 and 14 years old) had just moved out of the shelter two days prior, and were on their own for the very first time! They had moved into a home that had a broken washer and dryer, left behind by the previous tenants. After a little bit of planning, the man donating the appliances put together a team and made the hour long drive to deliver and install the washer and dryer for the women at no cost!
This donation did not come from a corporation looking for recognition. And it was not a set of old, used appliances that belong in the trash. On the contrary, someone wanted to be an extension of love, and to give a quality gift with no string attached. Isn't that what giving is all about?! As the appliances were being installed, she said, "I'm so thankful! I'm so excited I'm jumping out and down! My girls are so excited." When I asked what else she might need, she sent me a list of items - household items...items that we use everyday, some of which we have more than one - towels, utensils, pots and pans, etc. This little family is starting all over. So grateful for what they have, but in need of so much more. It really got me thinking...When was the last time I was intentionally grateful for a fork or a spoon? All too often, we forget how much we have and can be truly thankful for.
I have never done this before, but there's always room for a first... (Gosh! I love my "job")
Operation Pretty Things is going to put together The Ultimate Clean Start Kit for this family! Below is the list of things they need to begin this next chapter of their life together. Let's be the LOVE we all talk about wanting to be!
***PLEASE NOTE: ONLY NEW ITEMS!!!! WE WILL NOT TAKE USED TOWELS, APPLIANCES, UTENSILS, CLEANING SUPPLIES, ETC.
KITCHEN:
- dish towels
- eating utensils - forks, spoons, knives, etc.
- cooking & serving utensils
- can opener, vegetable peeler, bottle opener, etc
SMALL APPLIANCES:
- blender
- toaster
- coffee maker
BATHROOM:
- towels - all sizes!
- shower curtain
- bath mat
- toothbrush and soap holders
- trash can
SUPPLIES:
- dishsoap
- sponges
- garbage bags
- laundry detergent
- toilet paper
- paper towels
- clorox wipes
If you are interested in donating any of these items, please email me directly at missy@operationprettythings.org with "A Clean Start" as the subject line. I will accept donations on a first come first serve basis, as I am not able to store multiples of the above mentioned items. This is exciting!!! AGAIN, i must reiterate.... ONLY ACCEPTING NEW ITEMS :) This women and her daughters deserve nothing but the very best. Let's give them that and so much more!!!!!
(She is in need of larger items as well. If you would like more information about additional needs, please email me to discuss.)
Would you like to be a part of life changing opportunities like this all the time?? You can!! Become a HOPE Sponsor and help us Love Bomb the world one gift at a time!! CLICK HERE!
God is so good. There is always HOPE.
- Missy Boneske