Acts 4 Ministry Inc., a non-denominational, non-profit charitable organization in Waterbury, has begun their annual drive for donations of new or gently-worn coats, hats, gloves, scarves, sweatshirts, and new socks, thermals and undergarments for children and adults during their 2018 “Share the Warmth” drive through December 22, 2018.
Photographed in December of 2017 were the children of Sarah Riera, a resident of Waterbury following the devastation of Puerto Rico from Hurricane Maria. The children, Veronica age 10, Ronald age 5, Jose age 8, all received winter coats from Acts 4 Ministry’s 2017 “Share the Warmth” drive.
John Bishop of Woodbury, a member of Christ the Redeemer church in Southbury and an Acts 4 Ministry, Inc. Board of Directors member commented, “The winter season makes life more challenging for everyone, especially for those who don’t have basic things that many people take for granted. The Share the Warmth campaign helps our community meet the physical needs of our most vulnerable members and letting them know they are not forgotten.”
Sarah Elizabeth Carabetta, Acts 4 Ministry Executive Director, stated, “We are beginning our drive early this year to obtain donations of clothing to warm children and adults in the Greater Waterbury community. Our goal is to ensure that people in need of assistance throughout our community have warm clothing during the entire cold season. Men’s and children’s coats are especially needed and we are very appreciative of receiving clean and gently-used winter items for women as well.”
Through Saturday, December 22nd all donations can be brought to Acts 4 Ministry at 1713 Thomaston Avenue in Waterbury, Mondays through Wednesday between 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., Thursday through Friday 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., and Saturdays 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. to drop off donations and receive a receipt for tax deductions.
Acts 4 Ministry, Inc. is dedicated to building relationships with people while providing them with the basics of daily living needs. “Our continual mission is to provide individuals or families who have experienced a life devastating event an opportunity to feel loved as they rebuild with basic needs by coming to our facility to personally select clothing, dishes, glassware, furnishings, and other basic needs at no charge,” explained Carabetta.
Acts 4 Ministry’s retail store environment provides people with immediate ‘basic living needs’ the ability to select clothing, furniture, and household items at no cost. “Individuals and families are often referred to us by other charitable organizations,” explained Carabetta. “In our retail store environment, they are provided with an atmosphere which preserves their dignity and allows them to personally select what they need vs. being handed clothing or furnishings they do not desire. This is a respectful environment where everyone is treated with caring support.”
To provide monetary donations to Acts 4 Ministry’s “Share the Warmth” drive, contributions can be made payable to Acts 4 Ministry and sent to PO Box 4524, Waterbury CT 06704 or by visiting the Acts 4 website http://www.acts4.org and tap on the ‘click to give’ button. For large donations of items or organizations and groups who would like to volunteer, contact Alice’n Renaud, Acts 4 Ministry Operations Coordinator at 203-574-2287 or email to thriftstore@acts4.org
To learn of ongoing current donation needs, please visit the Donate page of http://www.acts4.org.