NORMAN — The goal for members of South Canadian Valley Church of Christ is to serving, grow and do. One of the ways the church lives out that motto is through its annual clothing giveaway.
“We are acting on the passionate call of Jesus who said in Matthew 25:36, ‘I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ This call moved us to consider the potential needs of families in our community and a clothing giveaway seemed like the best way to serve that need,” Bruce Kessler, one of the church’s elders, said. “Like Jesus, our desire is not only to meet people’s physical needs but their spiritual needs as well. Giving and serving is a way to accomplish this.”
In addition to the clothing giveaway that will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Oct. 6, a Prayer Station, which has served many prayer requests in the past, will be available.
The clothing has come from donations throughout the community and items are still being accepted. Kessler adds that the greatest needs each year are children’s clothes and warm coats.
The annual clothing giveaway, in its fifth year, started small and has continued to grow.
“Well over 300 families benefited in 2011. We are filled with joy to see so many young children excited about clothes they get to take home,” Kessler said. “Our congregation has continued the event each year because of the overwhelming, positive response from the community — from those being served, to those who are thrilled to serve and donate clothes, and from people who are blessed to have them.”
Kessler adds that there is no pre-registration for the clothing giveaway and families are asked to show up at South Canadian Valley Church of Christ, 2217 24th Ave. SW, the day of the giveaway.
“We do ask families to register as they come in as this will help us serve them more efficiently and will help us provide them with information about next year’s giveaway,” Kessler said.
Spanish-speaking members of the congregation, Kessler said, also will be available to assist as needed.
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