Back-to-Back Clothing Giveaways

We are filled with awe at the working of the Lord at both Leesburg’s and Purcellville’s Clothing Giveaways! An incredible amount of planning, effort and energy went into both of these events. These were truly COMMUNITY events, created by the community for the community! Our army of volunteers contributed mightily by donating over 1335 hours of service (705 hours in Leesburg and 630 hours in Purcellville)!

It was truly a labor of love in both regions, and we were able to impact the communities in a tremendous way! A TOTAL of 916 individuals were served – no one was turned away, and ALL attendees heard a Gospel message!

Here are the highlights:

The numbers are compelling, but the stories of impact are truly heartwarming! Just a few are shared below.

LEESBURG 

During a recent phone interview for a Food Pantry delivery, I was struck by the obvious need of one of our Partners based on the answers she was provided regarding food. Nothing was refused or turned away. I asked her if she had any prayer needs. She asked for me to pray that she and her husband would be able to pay their bills and for more work hours for her husband, as they were struggling to provide for their three teenagers. I then shared the details of our Clothing & Backpack Giveaway to be held the next day in Leesburg. The Partner was overcome with emotion and exclaimed, “Glory to God ! This is such wonderful news!”  She had been unable to secure school supplies for her teens beyond one notebook each, so this event gave her much-needed hope and relief. I volunteered at the Giveaway and saw that she did indeed receive all the clothing and school supplies she needed for her family.  -Food Pantry Volunteer

PURCELLVILLE 

On Saturday, the Clothing Giveaway provided: clothes, breakfast, haircuts, backpacks and Bibles. The Gospel was shared, and prayer requests were taken. For the short time that they are at the Giveaway, people are “loved” by their community, through the volunteers who are there to provide for them. The physical needs of the community are great, and you can see this by the empty tables at the end of the day. The Spiritual needs are also great, and you can see this in the eyes and feel it in the hugs of the people who attend. The Clothing Giveaway was a great success and was such a wonderful opportunity for us to meet these needs. Thank you for the opportunity to serve on Saturday, I truly appreciate it.  -Prayer Team Member

I met K towards the end of the Clothing Giveaway. K told me how she has had a traumatic few years, how she’s starting to feel safe again and get back on her feet. K is a single mother raising two children and is two years into her Bachelors in Business Management. K told me of how hard the past few years have been, emotionally, physically and financially. K is looking for a Church that has childcare, so I was able to tell her all about Purcellville Baptist Church (PBC). I prayed with K, gave her a hug and walked her into the hall to find some clothes. K was welcomed with a smile, handed a bag, and a group of volunteers helped K to find some clothes in her children’s sizes. I could tell that K was touched by the kindness of the volunteers. One of the volunteers who was helping K, works in the childcare ministry at PBC, and was able to tell K about what PBC has to offer. In just the few minutes that K was at the Giveaway, so many of her needs were met. K left with a bag of clothes for her children, she was listened to and prayed for, and she may even have found her next Church home. This was so wonderful to see.  -Prayer Team Member

Praise be to God that we were able to reach out to the poor and needy with the love of Jesus Christ!

Leesburg’s New Director

We are so pleased to welcome Amy Montgomery as our new Leesburg Director!  And it is no coincidence that the former and current director have the same last name – they are married! Where the Lord closed one door, he opened another for us and for the Montgomerys!

Amy comes to TOL with a passion for helping the poor and needy. Having served over 11 years as a middle school teacher, she is excited to lead our volunteers into action with much enthusiasm and love of the Lord.

Living in Leesburg has helped Amy and her family recognize the great need for our communities to have compassion for the less fortunate. She is “ready to engage and join hands with her board to bring the message of Christ to Partners through the many opportunities Tree of Life offers.”

As Alex shared, “If you liked me, you are going to love her!” Well, we already do!  Stop by our Leesburg Center to meet the newest member of our team!
 

May you be blessed,
Chaplain Wayne