The United Methodist Women of University Heights United Methodist Church sponsors the BIBS Pantry in cooperation with Methodist Hospital’s HealthNet Better Indy Babies program. I met with a team of volunteers on August 11 to find out more about this program. I first learned of the program from Metro Auxiliary vice-president, Elizabeth Harmon. She said in her email, “I heard of this program through Peggy Richwine…didn’t really know the details…we are always looking for ways to show Christ’s love in our community.” It was not long after this email that Arch Hawkins, invited me to visit, after seeing stories from some of the recent exciting trips I have been making.
It is not a very big space, but a lot of good pantry items are enclosed here. All persons arriving at the BIBS pantry have been referred there by Methodist Hospital’s HealthNet program. There is a real need for the service that is being provided by University Heights UMW. The BIBS pantry clients are expectant mothers and their babies. They arrive from the southside Indianapolis community with a voucher for specific items: Bag of groceries; fresh-food vouchers; maternity clothes; hygiene kits; newborn layettes; diapers/wipes/clothing. Through years since 1991, the pantry has filled over 8,000 referrals. The mission of “making Disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world” is seen in this ministry. The spirit of Christ in the volunteers provides food for the soul.
The University Heights congregation provides the food for the pantry. The newborn layettes; diapers/wipes/hygiene kits and fresh-food vouchers are provided through funding from individuals, sororities and church members. The budget for the extra stuff is $1,000 per month. How can you help? Do you have funds and a passion for little babies? If there are 50 people out of the 1.6 million people in Indianapolis that would provide just $50, the BIBS Pantry program would be set for another year. Does your church UMW circle need a project? Do you want the opportunity to have baby shower? Lists of items needed can be provided to your church, mission group, circles to have a baby shower. Cake, punch and presents for all to open and send down to University Heights United Methodist Church. I have the complete lists of BOTTLE KIT; HYGIENE KITS AND LAYETTE KITS – give me a call or an email, and I will CONNECT you with mission opportunities that will allow University Heights to continue their ministry on the southside.
Lisa
lmorris@indymetroumc.org or 317-924-4140.
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