Dear Friend of Orphan Grain Train Mid-Atlantic,
Have you heard the expression, “Nothing ever stays the same?” We know this to be true because our warehouse situation once again is changing! Our Savior, however, remains the same as he himself declares in Malachi, “For I the Lord do not change.” We rejoice in His steadfastness, relying on Him to show us our next steps.
Warehouse Update – Knowing our Wilmington location occupancy ends on August 11th we held our last sort-and-pack day July 20th. Five days later all tables, chairs, equipment and supplies were readied for moving. At 8 am on Wednesday, August 1st we need strong muscles to load a storage POD. Then on Saturday, August 4th, at 11:30am we need another work crew to load the remaining bags of unsorted clothing onto a truck bound for the Connecticut branch. After August 4th the warehouse will effectively be empty and our branch vacated.
Every effort is being made to locate a new work space as quickly as possible. How can you help? Please pray that the real estate agents, supporters and volunteers joining in the search will find a suitable building in the greater Wilmington area. In the meantime, we cannot accept any donations other than financial.
Latvia Container on its Way – Thanks to Richard Klepps, who brought 318 packed boxes from Connecticut down to our warehouse, we filled the 40’ container for Pampali Evangelical Lutheran Church on the morning of July 13th. Mid-Atlantic Branch volunteers added their bikes, toys, school supplies, sewing fabric, quilts, bedding, clothes, shoes, hygiene items, and medical equipment to the coats, shoes, boots and clothing from New England Branch. We look forward to news of the container’s safe arrival!
Board Secretary Retires – At our MAB July 14th board meeting we honored Patricia Dorler for 10 years of faithful service as our recording secretary. We wish her well in her retirement! Thank you, Scott Weaver, for “stepping up to the plate” and taking Pat’s place.
Looking Ahead with Boscov’s – Although sorting and packing has ceased for the moment, our branch remains active. Fund-raising, an ever-present need, continues. In addition to our exciting shopping pass grant-matching opportunity, Boscov’s selected us as the sole charity to receive school supplies collected by their Exton store employees and to participate in their Back-To-School event on August, 25. We were chosen because we help children in need and are participating in their Friends Helping Friends event this year. I will be in their store to represent OGT. The event goes from 11am to 3pm and includes: Back-to-School Photo Stop, Crafty Kids Corner, Guess the Number of Pencils, Spin to Win Snacks, A Chance to Win a $100 Shopping Spree. Be there!
As we depart from our warehouse location of over a dozen years we thank God for the opportunity He provided us to serve others. We welcome the direction of the Holy Spirit to guide us as we embark on a new chapter in our journey. Please join us one last time in Wilmington to complete our work.
See you at the warehouse!
Carla