Connections Community Church, a Christian Reformed church plant in London, Ontario, is providing paper products to people who need them while preventing those products from being dumped unused at the local landfill.
Volunteers sort and distribute paper products at Connections Community Church.
Through the generosity of a donor who prefers to stay anonymous and a connection at a local warehouse, truckloads of infant and adult diapers, feminine hygiene products, toilet paper, and more are delivered to the church. All products are discontinued or slightly damaged and otherwise would end up in the dump.
“[It’s a] huge truck load of products,” said George Saylor, pastor of Connections. To keep distribution running smoothly with each shipment, the church has established a routine.
“First,” said Saylor, “we give our church dibs. That means anyone can take some products for family, friends, and neighbors in need. The only thing we ask is that they do it to show the love of Jesus.”
After that, there is a day for local agencies, women’s shelters, and group homes to come and pick up what they need.
“It’s pretty awesome,” said Saylor. “We estimate—a conservative estimate—that each truck load has a retail value of over $50,000.”
By giving practical help to the community and diverting what would otherwise amount to tons of waste, “it’s one ministry, two wins,” according to Saylor.
About the Author
Anita Brinkman is a freelance news correspondent for The Banner. She lives in Chatham, Ontario.
