Many of us never had to calculate what it would cost if we needed to completely furnish a house or an apartment, or we haven’t had to think about this in many years.  But what would happen if you had to start over in a new residence – and maybe a new community – because of a house fire, domestic violence, or relocation due to a job loss?  Would you and your family sleep on the floor?  Would you have enough blankets?  Would you spend money on expensive, low-nutrition convenience foods because you had no stove or cooking utensils?  How would you keep yourself and your environment clean without a few towels, a broom, or a vacuum cleaner?  How and where would your school-aged children study if you had no furniture?  Imagine the joy and comfort you would feel if you had help with these basic needs!!

​

In the Spirit of Giving assists people in the Monroe County area who are in need of furniture and household items.  Those referred from Monroe community service agencies come by appointment to the old IHM Powerhouse; 610 West Elm Ave. in search of these basic items that we may take for granted: beds, sheets, blankets, towels, curtains, lamps, pots and pans, dishes, silverware, living room and dining room furniture, vacuum cleaners, small appliances, drapes and curtains, etc.

​

What is freely given is freely shared with

those referred to us.

​

In the Spirit of Giving began in 2017 when St. Mary Faith Formation families learned of a 12-year-old boy, Dominic and his family who had been given a housing voucher from the government.  Dominic had been diagnosed with brain cancer and his family had sold their home and its furnishings in order to provide every opportunity for their son’s recovery.  Their temporary home was at the Salvation Army Shelter on East Front St. in Monroe.  With the housing voucher, they were able to move into a small home, but did not have needed furniture and household items.  Parents and children from the Faith Formation community generously donated furniture and household items that assisted Dominic and his family, helping to shelter this family in need.  Thus, began the outreach of In the Spirit of Giving.

​

Over the past 15 years thousands of families have been helped through this ministry.  We could not easily exist without the kindness and generosity of the IHM Sisters who in the past have allowed us to center our ministry in the old St. Mary Academy gym and currently share the old IHM Powerhouse for our continuing work.  We are also blessed with the dedication of many workers who freely share their time, talent and treasure to assist our guests on Wednesday afternoons (2pm-4pm) and on Saturdays (10am-noon) as they choose their needed items from our stock. Additionally, there are others who use their trucks to pick up donations and deliver larger items to our guest’s homes. 

​

As our work blesses those in need in our Monroe community, it becomes a blessing to those who participate in this ministry; our donors, workers, parishes and the IHM community.  What greater joy is there than to participate in caring for the least of our brothers and sisters!  

 

Lorie Bronson

President