Boatload of help
By Bobbi Mlynar (Contact)
Originally published 01:38 p.m., March 25, 2008
Updated 01:38 p.m., March 25, 2008
Photo by Carly Pearson
From left: Tony Clausen, 8, Steve Clausen, 6 1/2, Nicole Clausen, 3, Pastor Rob Clausen, Barbara Weaver, and Theresa Hinchy stand next to a "boatload" of diapers the congregation at First Baptist Church will be donating to the Salvation Army. Weaver and Hinchy had the idea to collect diapers to help those affected by the Tyson layoffs.
On Wednesday, a group of First Baptist Church members will haul a literal boatload of diapers to the Salvation Army storage building.
The project evolved after members decided they wanted to do something to help the Salvation Army provide necessities for displaced Tyson workers and other needy residents in the area.
“The deacons were trying to figure out some way they could help with (Tyson),” said Barbara Weaver, who spearheaded the diaper drive with co-chairman Theresa Hinchy. “In the course of that conversation, we thought of diapers.”
Hinchy and Weaver met with Salvation Army Capt. Jeremiah Burris and got approval from him to begin the project, which was met with enthusiasm by church members.
Someone wished the church would be able to gather a “boatload of diapers” and before long, church member Tom Forbes made half of that wish come true.
“So the boat shows up on Sunday morning,” said the Rev. Rob Clausen, referring to the extra-long canoe that Forbes brought to the church.
The goal eventually had been set at 3,000 diapers.
“People got excited; people really liked it,” Weaver said.
The “boat” was moved into the library adjacent to the sanctuary for members to fill. And fill they did.
“Oh, me of little faith,” Weaver said. “I thought 1,500 was too many” to reach as a goal.
Now the boat holds about 3,500 diapers, and more are still coming in.
“Valerie has some in her trunk,” Clausen reminded Weaver and Hinchy.
Late last week, Weaver and Hinchy were planning to gather fifth- and sixth-graders to help move the diaper packages from the church to vehicles and on to the Salvation Army storage area on Wednesday.
“Diapers are something they can always use,” Weaver said.
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Posted by create (anonymous) on March 25, 2008 at 3:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Being able to help others is a source of happiness. Joy to all of you. Romans 8:28: "All things work together for the good to them that love God, to them who are called according to His purpose."
Posted by Cactusflower (anonymous) on March 25, 2008 at 3:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)
What a blessing this was.
Posted by dick (anonymous) on March 26, 2008 at 11:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Give me a break. For the past several weeks the Gazette has page after page of companies searching for workers for WORK and if there is anyone out there unemployed. who's fault it that? I was always told you can go to work anywhere and it may not be what you want to do the rest of your life, but you can be looking for a job once you have one as that was what you were doing when you found this one. Buying diapers? Give me a break. If you feel you must do this then why not buy the cloth ones and let the users do laundry like we used to do before they have the ones they have today. If we needed them we bought them ourselves. I'll guarantee you will begin the potty training lesson today. Another one of those issues, "It's all about the system." All one has to do is just wait and someone will take care of our money problems and families. Just be patience.
Posted by Blackshirt (anonymous) on March 26, 2008 at 11:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)
It helps the Salvation Army and is a great benefit to the community regardless of who gets the benefit. GREAT JOB!
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