Gleaning’s Commitment to Helping Those in Need
As part of our annual planning for each new year and beyond, we take dedicated time to look back, to review and reflect on the year we just completed. That evaluation helps us to more clearly understand what we accomplished, and more importantly, the lessons we learned along the way. It helps to ensure we maintain our priorities while at the same time, being flexible and open to following God’s direction.
“The needs are getting worse…”
Consistent messages we received from our partners in 2023 – no matter where they were located in the world included statements like: “The needs continue to grow”… “We’re helping more people than ever before”…“We’ve never seen it this bad.” As you may know, Gleaning exists to come alongside, to partner with churches and nonprofits who share like-minded goals by providing in-kind donations to support and strengthen those programs and services they provide.
With whom do we partner in the non-profit sector?
Our partners include pregnancy centers, social service organizations, foster care services, church pantries and outreach programs — those that provide veterans services, programs for shut-ins, the elderly, those with mental and physical challenges, as well as services that help homeless individuals and those at risk of being homeless. We actively work to provide in kind resources to those recovering in the immediate aftermath of natural disasters as well as the resulting long-term recovery.
What type of in-kind supplies do we provide?
We start with basics! That includes perishable and nonperishable food, personal care items like toothbrushes, toothpaste, bars of soap, shampoo, deodorant, towels, washcloths, soap, infant and baby items such as baby wash and shampoo. Oh, and there are diapers and swaddle blankets, baby toys, and more.
We also know that assistance with cleaning supplies, laundry detergents, even items like paper products can make a huge difference to those who are challenged to meet daily needs. In 2023, we grew our commitment to local programs and services as we increased the frequency and volume of in-kind donations.
When there are unmet needs during the year, they often surface at Christmas time. This can be especially difficult for families trying to provide for their children. We were blessed to have our largest impact ever during this past Christmas season in our local community as we provided gifts for children and families. We donated thousands of toys and stuffed animals to children through several local events. And for parents and families, we were able to donate new blankets, comforters, pillows and towels – practical items every home needs!
One of our most beloved programs, the Teddy Bear Brigade, continued to bring comfort and joy to children facing adversity. This past year was no different! We provided soft, cuddly, plush toys to children in need. Regardless of the circumstance – hurricane, tornado, flood, war, poverty – children are the most innocent victims and when they can hold onto something soft and huggable, it brings a sense of comfort during turbulent times.
We are seeing an increase in requests to provide these “stuffies” to children living in orphanages, poor communities overseas and here in the United States. Would you be surprised to learn that we have shipped more than 645,000 stuffies since the program began? We’ve shipped them to 21 states and 35 countries worldwide. That’s a lot of comfort and companionship to children in need!
As we move more fully into 2024, we pray you will walk with us through the many challenges each year brings. We cannot do our work without you. The needs of our world are sometimes overwhelming, but as God blesses you, I trust you will be a blessing to others. That’s what we do together!
In service and partnership,
