A downtown community organization has collected over 15 backpacks and committed to a $500 donation to benefit Communtiy Care’s Snacks ’n Sneakers-program, helping families who are getting ready for the back-to-school season but struggle to pay the bills.
Local pastor Terence Schilstra says he is amazed to see community members in Downtown Thorold coming together to continue the helping efforts as the impact of COVID-19 continues to be felt by many.
“It is really cool to see the ways our community has come together and people connecting with their neighbors,” said Schilstra to Thorold News.
He says The Table, a spiritual faith-community with around 40 members, has been actively working to find ways to bring relief to those feeling the continued economic uncertainty and stress caused by the pandemic.
The group has been coordinating its helping efforts online, and recently ran a mobile grocery-giveaway with fresh produce across town, after a councilor donated the food.
As restrictions have been lifting, members have gotten together to continue planning ways to help out in times of need.
Schilstra says he’s also kept busy writing a handbook for missional communities, outlining some important lessons he’s picked up from doing charitable work in Thorold.
The book, sold via his website and through Amazon has helped bring in funds to Community Care.
Keep up with The Table on Facebook.
