The Garland 4th Ward, one of three congregations of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Garland, gathered much needed outerwear for those in the community who are affected by the cold weather and without resources to provide for themselves.
Dedie Schlensker, Community Service representative of the congregation says:
“For our fall service project, Garland 4th Ward women’s organization, the Relief Society, collected over 40 new and gently used coats, along with scarfs and hats in one month for the Good Samaritan.”
“Good Sam provides food assistance to housed and homeless neighbors in Garland, Rowlett and Sachse (GISD communities). In addition to providing food assistance, Good Sam values building community among, and with, our housed and unhoused neighbors. We frequently have outdoor cookouts for all of our neighbors and for our unhoused neighbors, we offer two special events: a home-cooked Thanksgiving meal the Wednesday of Thanksgiving week and a hot lunch/cold-weather shopping event in December, this year on the 14th”, Pam Swendig, executive director, Good Samaritans of Garland said.
She continued: “The coats Dedie brought that were donated by the Garand 4th Ward are for the December 14 meal and shopping event. We rearrange our welcoming area to provide a place for our neighbors to be served a hot meal. Following the meal, they are invited to shop for coats, scarves, hats, blankets and gloves. In addition, we have community partners making special ‘gift’ bags for our guests (hand lotion, hand warmers, chapstick, etc.). We try to engage as many community partners as possible to allow opportunities to help a disenfranchised community with extra needs during the cold, winter season. Over the past four years, our unhoused population has grown exponentially. Last month, Good Sam provided over 600 “10-packs” of food for 215 unhoused guests. In addition, men and women hygiene packs are provided monthly.”
Since outerwear is critical throughout the cold months in Texas, and coats are often misplaced, stolen or thrown away by code enforcement, the Good Samaritan will be collecting coats through the end of February. This great shelter also feeds over 200 homeless people in the community per day. Food donations are always appreciated.
Dedie was accompanied by eight grandchildren, ages 5-13, when she delivered the coats and accessories.
“We have all been very blessed. It was an extra benefit to have them with me that day to feel the joy that comes from giving back and helping others,” she said.
Find more information about helping the Good Samaritan of Garland with donations of warm outwear, food stuffs and other needed items during this Christmas season and through the new year, at www.JustServe.org and www.goodsamofgarland.org.