A lot is going on in Jackson, and there are several areas of need. Since we don't care much for re-inventing the wheel, we've been in close connection with Wendy Wite (of Together We Can Make A Difference). Here are some of her needs if you'd like to join in...
THE BIG SEED: Right now, here are some specifics Wendy needs for the project
- Bush bean seeds or $ to purchase
-$ for printing promo fliers to share with children/families (printing costs will be minimized by using Career Center resources)
-5 gallon buckets....LOTS of 'em....to turn into container gardens
-Compost...LOTS of it. Last year they were able to receive compost from the city for free; however, it appears the city will charge them for the compost this year so Wendy either needs $ to purchase or compost delivered the the house for use on 5/22.
-Prizes for contest (posters, growing, and cooking) winners...either items or $ to purchase prizes for kids and adults.
-Helping hands to be at the house on the day of The Big Seed (May 22) from 10-12. Hands to help register, plant, carry, instruct, whatever. This will feel much like a second harvest food give away; an eclectic collection of people will be lined down the street.
STEP AHEAD: The gal that Wendy thought would be the one to step up and administer the program did not materialize. Thus, Wendy is still praying for someone(s) to take the lead and let her come alongside them to help support the effort but not have to own it. I think we should give this some serious consideration. The program's promotion has gone down the tubes so it is not terribly active right now. I think with my existing parent network and connections through Great Start, I could amply support the promotion. Wendy believes we could get away with quarterly sorting times. We then will need to develop a network of folks willing to deliver clothes (which I think my parent network would be willing to help) and hold regular clothing drives. Please join me in praying about this ministry and see if you feel led to own this with me.
ANGEL FOOD: Wendy is set for volunteers to unload the truck in Jan, and believes that most months simply having the help of who ever is scheduled to deliver from Acts 4:9 would be sufficient. For now, she is going to call me each month and let me know if additional help is needed to unload so those of us who live close can be on "stand by" to come over to Tripp's at 8:30 AM and unload. Regarding our orders for Ruby and Roger, we can continue to order online and simply note in the comments section that the order should be added to Wendy's delivery. For January, Ruby and Rogers orders have been switched to Wendy's so they can be picked up in the same location (yea!).
KIDS EXPLOSION: Wendy would like Acts 4:9 to own the Story Telling portion of the "party" at the Y as Mother Moore is no longer available.
COMPUTER SUPPORT: Wendy is trying desperately to learn how to use her computer but could REALLY use some assistance with both hardware and software issues. This is a monumental struggle for her as she is not naturally bent in this direction but the world is demanding that she move away from hand records. I can see that this is eating up a big chunk of her time and causing Wendy much stress. Help?
