April 25 was another well-attended Common Needs Swap and Supper
The Common Needs Swap and Supper on Saturday, April 25, located at New Hope Church in Lake City, was well attended by the greater Lake City community. The swap meet encouraged attendees to freely bring what you can and take what you need while enjoying a free lunch which consisted of smoked pork, coleslaw, baked beans, buns, and dessert.
The swap also encouraged a garden seed exchange in anticipation of planting season; flower bulbs, as well as herb, vegetable, and flower seeds, all came and went throughout the day.
Organizers were enthused to witness neighbors meeting tangible needs in real-time. In one instance, a young family brought in a box full of unopened baby formula. As volunteers began setting the formula out on a free food table, a young mom walked by and exclaimed, “This is the same exact formula my son uses!”, and was able to take some to stock at home.
The swap took place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with donation drop-off between 8 a.m. and noon. Acceptable items included adult and children’s clothing, household items, tools, supplies, toys, books, small furniture, kitchen wares, garden seeds, and non-perishable foods. (Large furniture could not be accepted.) The free lunch was donated and served by New Hope Church volunteers from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with take-home boxes available.
New Hope Church volunteers were onsite to help unload donations from vehicles, bag items, and bring items back to cars. Remaining swap items are saved for future swap events or donated. One box of remaining food and hygiene care items was donated to the Lake City Food Shelf.
On behalf of the New Hope Church “Common Needs” ministry, thank you to those who generously donated of their excess, those who attended the event to have their needs met, and to the servant-hearted volunteers who facilitated the Swap and Supper via food and item donation, spreading the word, planning, unboxing, organizing, displaying, bagging, cooking, serving the meal, and packing up.
The next Common Needs Swap and Supper event will be hosted in June with an official date and details to come. The Common Needs Swap and Supper events are held at New Hope Church, located at 302 N. Prairie St. in Lake City, overseen by Pastor John Hodgell. Please contact Brandy Klindworth at brandyklindworth@gmail.com with questions or to request direct contact about the next event date.