A hidden need among the area’s struggling has to be uncovered more to provide needed help.
Such is the perspective of leaders of the local Undies For Everyone outreach; first launched in 2014 by Columbus’ First Lutheran Church social ministry. The effort, with the help of local nonprofit Sans Souci and the Meridian Kiwanis Club, is asking people to donate undergarments and socks of all sizes, for all ages, for needy males and females alike during the month of July at First Lutheran.
Church leaders are collecting the items at First Lutheran, 3600 E. 25th St. on Sundays in July from church members. Members are inviting the public to drop off newly purchased items from 10 a.m. to noon July 24.
In past years, church members and Kiwanians have collected from 500 to 1,100 items of such clothing through July. Plus, some people donate money for the cause.
The idea sprang from a conversation between Mary Ellen Wyman of First Lutheran and Sheryl Adams, director of Sans Souci, which helps needy residents with everything from clothing to furniture. Adams discovered that clients generally never mention their need for new undergarments, even if the need is severe, when they discuss clothing sizes with Sans Souci staff.
So now Sans Souci workers gently ask clients openly if they happen to need undergarments as well.
"It’s definitely a sensitive topic," said Courtney Foust, Sans Souci’s outreach manager. "But it’s important, so that’s why we make a point to directly ask if they call in or some in for clothing assistance."
Sans Souci is grateful for the community support, Foust added.
"The only way we can effectively do such a program is from donations," Foust said.
Wyman, a longtime Kiwanian, got the Meridian club’s help with the outreach. She recently passed the leadership of the social ministry team and the Undies For Everyone project to Joy Lindsay. She mentioned that she is proud of the congregation’s strong support, especially when it also gives generously to other causes ranging from Love Chapel food pantry to the pantry at the Community Center of Hope.
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First Lutheran Church’s social ministry team is accepting donations of new undergarments — underwear, t-shirts, bras, socks and such — of all sizes for all ages from the public from 10 a.m. to noon July 24 at the church, 3600 E. 25th St. in Columbus.
Information: 812-372-1256.
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