Three united churches in Chilliwack came together to help the homeless by offering bags full of socks, gloves, blankets and more a week before Christmas.
Rosedale United, Chilliwack United and Mt. Shannon United churches pooled their congregations and funds to fill 77 cloth shopping bags with essential items for folks living on the streets of Chilliwack.
Then on Tuesday, they handed those bags over to Chilliwack Salvation Army outreach workers Scott Armstrong and Melynda Siemens to be distributed to homeless people.
“Handing out a bag to someone, that’s massive,” Armstrong said, adding that the Salvation Army wants homeless people to be as “comfortable” as possible.
This is the second year the three churches have come together to raise money for the project. They put on a turkey dinner and auction on Nov. 11 which brought in $2,700, most of which went to the bags. The remaining funds will be used for future outreach initiatives.
One thing church members added to each bag this year was a second pair of socks, a “staple” item for people living on the street.
“[It] is crucial, especially at this time,” Armstrong said. “It’s greatly appreciated.”
Other items included in the cloth shopping bags were: a toque, gloves, blanket, tarp and bungee cords, toothbrush, toothpaste, hand cream, lip balm, wash cloth, bar of soap, hand towel and toilet paper.
The bags were scheduled to be distributed right away.
RELATED: Council votes to give Chilliwack homeless shelter an 18-month extension
RELATED: What is Chilliwack doing about housing and homelessness?
Do you have something to add to this story, or something else we should report on? Email:
jenna.hauck@theprogress.com
@PhotoJennalism
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
