Editor, The Times:
Once again I am writing you to sing the praises of the people of Clearwater. On April 1 and 2 the congregation at Clearwater New Life Assembly held another Great Giveaway.
This was the third year for this semi-annual event (one in spring and one in the fall). Proceeds go to the Food Bank and benefits go to all those who wish to participate whether working or not, old or young, with or without children. As it turned out this was the busiest ever Great Giveaway with over 50 people in the first half hour. Donations were almost overwhelming. People were so incredibly generous that the group was able to have different stock added for the second day.
This is not as simple as it sounds. It involves a lot of time and hard work. First they (the CNLA group) get the word out via newspapers and posters placed around town; they collect donations of new and gently used clothing, household items, books, videos, and small furnishings; they empty out their meeting room and start the task of sorting, organizing, and displaying all of these items, much like a small department store, arrange for volunteer staff for the two-day event and only then open the doors to the public. Anyone who needs anything, a little or a lot, is welcomed and encouraged not to leave empty handed. Once the event is over the remaining donations are again sorted, packed up and shared with women's shelters, missions, thrift stores in the area and Kamloops as well as missions going to Cuba or other destinations in need.
In short, the community of Clearwater, the surrounding area, and far reaching areas benefit and all the while we are encouraged to clean out our closets and storage, share or recycle items no longer of use to us, reducing the amount of needless waste going into our own landfills.
The Great Giveaway was another successful, organized event this year in raising almost $100 and over 150 food items for the Clearwater Food Bank. These ladies are so efficient that the Giveaway ended Saturday and they had everything back in place for Sunday service. Way to go, CNLA!
Heather Stanley, secretary
Clearwater Food Bank
