Everyday Living Outreach
the problem:
ELO operates on the last Saturday of every month providing everyday living essentials to anyone who needs it. Items such as toilet paper, soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, hand sanitizer, garbage bags, kleenex and more can be found in the filled bags given away.Not only are we meeting their physical needs but we also reach out to provide healing for their souls through our Monthly "From the Hearts of the Laborer" brochure,onsite prayer, and prayer request box.
The idea originated when a call center providing a host of jobs to our community for over 7 years was shut down. We knew the impact it would have on the many families in our city. We were also well aware of the many people who are in need of assistance being labeled as a poverty stricken or distressed city. So we researched and established the need, finding food banks, soup kitchens, clothing help, etc. in our area yet we didn't find an organization that provided toiletries/ everyday necessities like toilet paper, tooth paste, soap, toothbrushes etc. So that's how ELO came about- to provide everyday living essentials to those who are in need.
Below is our Facebook Page Link
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Everyday-Living-Outreach-ELO/153237358038317
vital stats:
people impacted:
250people involved:
6why it's important:
It is important to me because it is important to God to spread His Good News. Many people are in need yet don't know who to turn to for help. I love to serve and be apart of putting a smile on someone's face. Also in the Bible, its clear that Jesus didn't just meet people's spiritual needs but He first met their physical needs. So its important that I try to do what Christ does.
the plan of action:
Well in the beginning we just researched where the need was and once we found it we began to move on it. We spoke with our Pastor and he was in total favor and support of the idea. Our plan was to reach out to our congregation and get them involved bringing in an item every Sunday to be used for ELO. He also contacted a local Dollar Store that would give us surplus to use in our giving. Next I designed a logo and began to produce marketing material. My partner and I choose a date and "hit the streets" passing out flyers and inviting people to come out. We then gathered all the items and began to distribute them equally for hand out. We use the same process every month except now we have a street team that goes out during our hours of 10am-Noon and encourages people to come and be apart of ELO if they're in need.
We've served over 100 families and our customers range from elderly, disabled, recovering addicts, single mothers, and those just in need. We invite our customers to our church services. We've had many come, even one who has written a poem about how his life has been changed since ELO. It's absolutely priceless to see the genuine gratitude on the faces of our customers. We impact not only through giving the bag but also by our love. They know we love them and want to be an active part of them having a great life. ELO has not just impacted those served but it has changed my life by being apart.We even have a few of the young people and even customers who want to help and be apart of serving.
how you can get involved:
Other can help by:
Donating- either financially or with product
Volunteering- help on ELO days
Start an ELO in your area - We will provide you with information and if possible come and do a service training
