From cutting fabric to packing lunch bags, the staff of the Burlington (Ontario) offices of the Christian Reformed Church took time to volunteer in their community as a way to commemorate September 11.
Steve Kabetu (left) and Mike Heinen
During an extended lunchtime, staff volunteered at Sew on Fire, preparing and packing gift bags with blankets and baby supplies for people in need around the world. Some volunteers cut fabric for new sewing projects. Heather DeBoer, an administrative assistant for Disability Concerns, said, “How fun to put baby layettes together. I couldn’t help but think of the moms who would receive these beautiful packages, moms who have nothing for their little ones. Undoubtedly the layette [would make] their day . . . just as putting them together made my day. [It was] a wonderful opportunity to do something for someone else.”
Staff members also volunteered at Wellington Square United Church, where they assisted the Children’s Lunch Snack program by collecting food items and packing over 200 lunch bags. “It was wonderful to hear and see how this church, in partnership with many other local churches of various denominations, is able to offer this program to about 40 children every week. The snack bags are distributed at their weekly Friday night community suppers, which is also an amazing ministry,” said Jeri Batterink, ServiceLink Administrative Assistant. “I came away wondering how my neighborhood churches could offer something similar to our neighbors.”
About the Author
Brenda Visser is the Banner's regional news correspondent for classis Eastern Canada.