“Wings” program helps Monroe families with donated groceries

I have told readers ever since I launched this blog that formal public assistance is not the only option when your family is dealing with tight finances.

I knew this from my own family’s experience.

But there also has been a steadily growing effort in the Monroe, Mich., area during the past three years to specifically reach out to families who have been hit with layoffs and pay cuts – but who make too much money for the traditional safety net programs such as food stamps, welfare and other income-based programs.

I’ve told you on Monroe on a Budget about these programs as they were introduced, expanded, etc.

One of those efforts is featured in today’s edition of The Monroe Evening News - On a “Wing” and a Prayer - a local outreach program is helping those in need.

The story by my co-worker Michelle Swartz:

It was by chance that Martha Goetz of Monroe found the help she needed to support her family.

“I was just being nosy,” she said, smiling. “I saw people in the parking lot looking through bags and boxes of stuff and I wanted to know what was going on.”

She discovered a local outreach program called “Wings.” Formed by the Rev. Bonnie Frey, pastor of Lulu United Methodist Church in Ida, the program offered miscellaneous items to the needy.

“It fills a need for people who fall in between the cracks,” Pastor Frey explained. “There are so many people who are over the limit of food stamps, but still don’t have enough money for clothes and other necessities for their family.”

Since March, the program has been offered every Tuesday at Eagle’s Nest Community Church. It is held in the parking lot of the church, 620 E. Fourth St., unless bad weather forces it inside. Donated food, clothes, shoes, blankets, toys and household items are offered to the needy.

“We come to Monroe’s east side because there is such a great need here,” said Pastor Frey during Tuesday’s distribution. “Louie Barnett (pastor of Eagle’s Nest) has been wonderful. He lets us come here every Tuesday.”

Several local businesses, churches, organizations and individuals donate to the cause. Panera Bread, for example, offers a variety of breads, muffins and cookies each week. Inga’s Bakery and Marco’s Pizza also donate food to the program on a weekly basis.

Several churches offer canned and boxed food, blankets, clothes, shoes and toys. Local family farms and orchards give seasonal produce.

“In the summer, we get vegetables and fruit from local gardens and farms. It’s really good,” said Loraine Bolton of Monroe. “This program has helped my family out quite a bit. Everyone here is wonderful.”

Led by Pastor Frey and her husband, Ken, volunteers pick up donations from households, businesses and organizations who offer items. Vehicles packed with donations drop off the items, organize them on tables and assist people, when needed. At times, up to 50 people have attended the weekly program.

“These are hard times for a lot of people so they are glad to see us,” said Rochelle May of Monroe, a weekly volunteer. “We hope more donations come in so we can help more people, especially kids. There’s no reason kids should suffer.”

Ms. Goetz is thankful for the outreach program.

“This has been such a blessing for our family,” she said.

Pastor Frey hopes the program will continue to grow with continued donations and volunteers. She has made it a mission in life.

“It’s been a blessing. It’s something the Lord led me to do,” she said.

The Wings program is offered from 3 to 5 p.m. each Tuesday at Eagle’s Nest Community Church, 620 E. Fourth St., Monroe, Mich.

To make a donation or to volunteer for the Wings program, call Pastor Bonnie Frey at (734) 625-4997.

Continue reading “Wings” program helps Monroe families with donated groceries …

From Monroe on a Budget.

December 2, 2009 | Filed Under Frugal Living | Leave a Comment

What is trunk-or-treat?

Some of the holiday event notices that we get at The Monroe Evening News are called Trunk-or-Treat.

What’s that?

It was explained to me as trick-or-treating from car to car in a parking lot. Apparently it’s catching on in popularity across the country. If you’d like to see pictures, here’s an explanation and pictures at Halloween Online magazine.

The way this is commonly done in Monroe, Mich., is that the sponsoring church or community organization picks a night that isn’t trick-or-treat. Families can decide whether such an event is in addition to, or replacing, the more traditional Oct. 31 festivities.

Continue reading What is trunk-or-treat? …

From Monroe on a Budget.

October 9, 2009 | Filed Under Frugal Living | Leave a Comment