OUR MISSISONS

​

Here’s an update regarding three visits to Matthew 25 Ministries in Blue Ash, Ohio.

The first visit was an exploratory one – I needed a place to donate my husband’s wheelchair, which was in great need of some TLC before it would be in donation-worthy condition. I thought his wheelchair might languish in a local second-hand store or someone’s basement, and that idea made me a little sad. I really wanted someone to be able to appreciate it and use it. Also needed:  A place fully prepared to recycle or reuse the hundreds of prescription medicine bottles John and I had collected while he was ill. I liked the idea of the Matthew 25 organization because the founder, Tim Mettey, had visited Nicaragua in the 1980’s, and that visit prompted him to envision a humanitarian effort to make use of things people in the US often simply throw away.  My husband, John, had gone on a Witness for Peace trip to Nicaragua in the 1980’s, so I thought if this place seemed legit that John would be happy knowing a few of his possessions might help someone in genuine need. I also continue to dream that just maybe a few of the 20 pairs of “skinny jeans” I recently found in an old trunk, or that wheelchair, or his huge outdated orange rucksack might end up in a place like Nicaragua.

Matthew 25 is an ever-changing dedicated collection, processing, and distribution center. The philosophy at Matthew 25 is based on the story of the Good Samaritan (https://m25m.org/). Volunteer opportunities vary depending on the day of the week, the season, the materials they need to process, and the ability level of the volunteer. (Volunteer opportunities for older adults and special needs groups are always available, and their contributions are much appreciated.)

On my second trip, our Sunday School girls went.  We learned a great deal as we toured a global village together, and then we sorted clothing donations by age group. It was easy to see on that first day of volunteering, we’d found a local destination where humanitarian aid is processed daily and sent regularly. This seemed important to those of us who wanted to “just do something,” even though many of us don’t have the skills or the opportunities to pick up and help at a local disaster site.  After a series straight line windstorms and tornadoes in the Miami Valley and in other US cities and after several devastating hurricanes and other disasters nationally and internationally, it was important to find a place where we could donate items fast . . . and without incurring shipping charges to get our offerings – whatever those might be – to a distribution facility.

On the third trip, we received reassurance the clothing sorted by our Sunday School class probably went to communities in Appalachia, which could utilize a range options from snowsuits to summer clothing.  (It was a relief to know it was unlikely people rebuilding in the Bahamas would be gifted with a bunch of winter clothing.)

On that third visit, Kathy and I learned more about the massive corporate donations M25M partners with as we sorted pristine new bottles of Garnier shampoo, conditioner, and other hair products.  Matthew 25 receives regular donations from Cintas, a uniform apparel corporation based in Cincinnati. Matthew 25’s “business strategy” allows the organization to partner with corporations across the US to give new life to products and materials that would otherwise go unused. 

Witness will continue to make periodic visits to Matthew 25 to drop off used items and prescription bottles. We can take other items as well…feel free to ask if you’d like us to take something.