HEDGES CHAPEL

In the spirit of Martin Luther King Jr. Day – uniting in service to help our community -- Hedges Chapel will once again be participating in the national “Souper Bowl of Caring” to benefit two local organizations, Loaves and Fishes, a food bank in Hedgesville and Bethany House, a shelter for women and children in Martinsburg.  Loaves and Fishes is a ministry of the Hedgesville Area Community of Churches, hosted by Hedgesville United Methodist Church. This ministry provides a set bag of food items, plus extras, to those in need on the 4th Friday of each month. Bethany House can house up to 32 women and children at any given time and is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They provide shelter, case management, three meals a day, laundry facilities and supportive services. 

​

The following non-perishable food items are provided in the bags given out by Loaves and Fishes and are their priority items to receive:  peanut butter, jelly, canned fruit, cereal, oatmeal, pasta sauce, pasta, pancake mix, syrup, canned beef stew, hash, tuna fish, canned chicken, canned ravioli, soups, vegetables, mac & cheese, Hamburger Helper, Ramen Noodles.  (Loaves and Fishes will accept and distribute any non-expired, undamaged canned goods or other non-perishable items so feel free to include these in addition.) 

​

If you would rather donate non-food necessities, consider the following items needed by Bethany House residents: 

Cleaning supplies such as laundry detergent, bath cleaner, toilet bowl cleaner, and powdered cleansers such as Ajax, etc.,

paper towels, toilet paper

disinfecting wipes or spray,

trash bags in 30-gallon and 13-gallon sizes only,

umbrellas,

new, unused twin blankets, and

new, unused bed pillows. 

​

The pillows and blankets should be in their original wrappers to indicate that they haven’t been used.  Similarly, the various cleaners should be full, unopened containers. 

​

We are collecting actual items, not cash donations. 

​

Drop-off times at the pavilion are as follows: 

Saturday, February 12, 1:00 to 2:00 pm 

Sunday, February 13, 12:00 to 1:00 pm

​

If none of these times work for you, please arrange an alternative with Judy Snyder at judy_snyder@comcast.net.

​

The Souper Bowl of Caring is a national effort that began with one youth group and a simple prayer: “Lord, as we enjoy the Super Bowl football game, help us be mindful of those without a bowl of soup to eat.”  Witness what one can do when we all unite to give.  “I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.” - Matthew 25:40

 

The Hedges Chapel Outreach Committee was overwhelmed by congregation member and community generosity during our recent Christmas food basket and angel projects. Ten families (52 individuals and 21 children) were helped by your efforts. 

Thank you for considering your participation in our 2022 Souper Bowl of Caring.

 

Outreach Committee:  Vicki Cooper, Sheila Joy, Kris O’Brien, Laura Powell, Gayle Remenick, Judy Snyder and Donna Watson. 

​