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Health & Fitness

Church of St. Ann Reaches Out

The Catholic East Cobb faith community has been on a "candle drive" for MUST Ministries.

One day, long-time MUST Ministries volunteer Pat Eddleman was helping in the Clothes Closet at the Elizabeth Inn, a campus devoted to those living in homelessness. A client asked for a candle and she gave him one. “What happens when the candle goes out?” she asked. The man hesitated, “Then the rats come.”

That was a life-changing four words for Pat. She quickly went to work and encouraged her East Cobb church, the Catholic Church of St. Ann, to get involved in a candle drive. The congregation has collected 7,000 candles since November while that is a tremendous feat, it is only the beginning.

“It’s more than just a candle,” Pat explained. That candle drive launched a new awareness at the church and we decided to do other things to help the homeless. Soon, a group of veterans pledged to supply 100 backpacks to homeless veterans.

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According to Clark Humble and his son Collin who helped with the project, the backpacks were filled with a thermal blanket, socks, t-shirts, gloves, hat, scarf, underwear, batteries, toilet paper, deodorant, toothbrush and toothpaste. The veterans receiving these gifts were overwhelmed and had felt forgotten. The backpacks lifted their spirits and supplied much-needed necessities. 

From there, the group had an even bigger idea. They raised $60,000 and used some of that money to purchase a trailer with a side vendor window. They started packing easy-open groceries with the guidance of Karen Miller who coordinated their church pantry. Pop tops for food, toilet paper, toothbrushes and tooth paste, wash cloths, wipes and other supplies are included for MUST clients who live in the woods.

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“This is great! Thank you!” clients were exclaiming at the recent by monthly distribution. About 50-60 sign up sign up at MUST a week ahead of time, then come to the trailer to pick up their groceries and supplies.

“We’re building relationships,” the St. Ann’s team explained. “They want you to know their stories.” The church has begun a ministry called “My Brother’s Keeper” to focus on outreach to the homeless. Internally, they collaborate with St. Vincent de Paul and the veteran ministries group on projects like collecting and fixing donated bikes, buying bike helmets and gathering needed supplies.

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