Goings on from Knox United Church in Manitowaning
The Knox United Church ladies have had lots going on, as usual, only in a different format this year. Prior to COVID, our year consisted of four rummage sales, a few breakfasts and lunches, our annual turkey supper in July, and the Little Shop Around the Corner from May until December.
Due to COVID restrictions this year we have not held any activities involving food. Because of the many donations of clothing and other goods from residents of the community, the Island and beyond, we decided to concentrate on rummage sales and had an on-going rummage sale, following COVID rules.
While transitioning for summer to winter clothing, we held two weeks of free shopping. At the end of November, we again had free shopping to the end of the year. The first weekend in December, we held a Christmas fair, then closed the doors until later in the new year. Our church members and community volunteers are in need of a much-deserved rest.
Whether it has been donations of clothing, household goods or monetary donations, we live in a very generous community. Since we were the only place accepting donations, at times it was overwhelming. Because of the many donations received, we were able to share with other groups. Numerous bags of clothing and school supplies were sent to Northern communities, clothing went to the evacuees from Pikankgikum during the wildfires, some to the homeless in Sudbury, and a shipment of winter clothing to Hope Mission Edmonton via Manitoulin Transport. As well, various items were sent to Wiikwemkoong Nursing Home for their “Black Friday Shopping Spree.”
Finally, at the end of the year, we were able to donate to several charities and institutions including two Island hospitals, three Island nursing homes, Manitoulin Family Resources, Manitoulin Secondary School (MSS) Food Bank. the Mission and Service Fund, Christmas Shoe Boxes, Fixing our Felines, and other local businesses. We were also able to bring a little Christmas cheer to some local seniors.
In closing, we thank all who donated clothing, household, or monetary items. Without your generosity, as well as the work of the volunteers, we could not have fulfilled these goals! Thank you.
