By Jodi Marze, Lifestyles Editor
The Picayune Item
HATTIESBURG —
A group of women at Trinity United Methodist Church have taken the term “Home Mission” quite seriously and sown seeds of kindness into the lives of local school children in Pearl River county.
These women, who requested not to be either named or photographed, have developed close relationships with local schools and provide uniforms at the beginning of school; school supplies at the beginning of the year and throughout as needed; and hand knitted caps and coats for colder months.
You or someone you know may have benefited from this mission; but the only way to tell is by a printed tag that reads: “This garment is given to you by the women of Trinity United Methodist Church “Because We Care.”
The group leader said, “Many of us are former school teachers and we know the needs of the local community. We are able to work with school social workers and others to find needs and try to fill them. We don’t preach or try to recruit for our church; we simply want to demonstrate God’s love and give him the glory.”
The funding for their projects come from an event held once a year called “Attic Treasure” auction. They ask members of their congregation to donate items that are clean, in good shape, and worth at least $5. The donations are taken, wrapped and auctioned off to the highest bidder (most of whom are congregation members).
They simultaneously hold a silent auction of artwork by local artists.
They say they started the “Attic Treasure” auction to raise money for the uniforms and every year the need for it grows. So far uniforms have gone out to Picayune and PRC. They also try to supply brown and black belts to the high schools because some students can not afford them and that is part of the dress code.
“Last year we either hand knitted or crocheted caps for students at Nicholson. We are currently holding a school supply drive for Southside and possibly Nicholson, if we get enough donations. We like to focus on the place of greatest need for an item and branch out from there.”
The next drive will begin in October for coats. All donations can be brought to the church at 3021 Woods Road, in Picayune.
Those interested in donating can also call 601-799-4567.
