Room at the Inn – Shelter from the cold
Jan. 17, 2012
Last year during January and February, Sacred Heart joined with downtown churches in a project to provide shelter for the homeless — Room at the Inn. Learn more about this project and how you can be a part of it.The effort was spearheaded by Missouri United Methodist Church. Sacred Heart volunteers staffed the shelter for a week, donated food and contributed more than $1,000 in financial aid. Those who participated found it a uniquely inspiring experience being Christ to those served. This year, the community is well organized and, we have the opportunity to individually volunteer to staff or bring food or give funds to support the cause.
A program website (https://www.lotsahelpinghands.com/c/651032/login/ ) provides more complete information, specific times to volunteer, and how to coordinate time to serve with another volunteer. Visiting the website does not commit you to anything. Signing up is easy. Currently, the Room at the Inn Shelter needs volunteers for the overnights shifts Tuesday through Saturday.
The website also identifies specific food items needed for the shelter along with when and how to contribute. To donate funds so no one church bears the entire cost of ministering to an entire community, place your donation in the Sacred Heart collection basket with a note indicating Room at the Inn..
Presently donations needed include blankets, a 3XL winter coat, instant oatmeal, cup o soup, granola bars, peanut butter, jelly, cocoa, fresh fruit, string cheese, sandwiches, or financial gifts. You may drop donations off at the Missouri United Methodist Church Office on Ninth and Locust streets during office hours or Sunday morning. Donations may also be delivered to the shelter at 804 Old 63 North after 7 p.m. or before 7 a.m.
If you want to sign up to volunteer time at the shelter, but can’t access the program website, call BJ Rodeman at 573-864-5193 until Feb. 5 for help registering.