A legacy that lasts is a legacy that continues to be passed down throughout time. That special kind of legacy is exactly what is continuing at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Metuchen, NJ. St. Luke’s is a small Church with big heart when it comes to helping others, with a community filled with people of all ages.
The Church is really involved with the outreach in the community, “Whatever we can do to help others, we are there” says Linda Zeh, a member of St. Luke’s outreach ministry. Linda has been with the Church for 25 years and has assisted with the mission of helping others. She has been able to see firsthand the impact that St. Luke’s has in the community.
The legacy of giving started awhile back at a home for women who were survivors of domestic abuse and their children. There was a lot of focus on the children for Christmas, but not a lot for the moms.
“It started off small at first with little plastic bags of toiletries to deliver so that the moms had something,” Linda said, and then it grew to be a little bit bigger, with some parishioners going to the store to buy full size toiletries. Now there is a parishioner who knits scarves for every mom.” St. Luke’s then took this model of generosity and brought it to Mission First Supportive Housing: Edison.
The outreach ministry has also sparked a great partnership between Linda and Melissa Mascolo, our Director of Program Management. Linda brings donated items from St. Luke’s to Melissa, who will then use them wherever they are needed.
St. Luke’s provides items to residents such as knit hats, socks and gloves and hygiene supply bags, as well as gift cards for emergency needs or new move-ins.
The members of the Church are deeply rooted in a philosophy of doing what they can, when they can. “Nine times out of 10, if I go to the Church and make an announcement (about a need), someone will have it,” Linda says.
Melissa once spoke to Linda about a new resident in need of a lamp, so Linda stood up in church and said, “we have a new resident who needs a lamp, if anyone has a lamp they want to part with, please let me know.” Someone ended up donating a lamp, and the recipient raved about it, noting she was “over the moon about the lamp,” “and it gave her great comfort.” Linda shared that sentiment with the donor who said, “I’m so happy that my lamp is getting joy.” That is exactly what St. Luke’s is.
St. Luke’s shares all that they can because as Linda mentions, “we have very generous people.” St. Luke’s exists as a good reminder of how to pay it forward and assist in the community. “Good people will always share with the less fortunate,” Linda says.
What started off as a simple gesture of giving has really evolved into something more. Mission First Supportive Housing: Edison is grateful for its partnership with St. Luke’s and how they are always there to support residents. The dedication to helping people in their community is admirable, and St. Luke’s holds a special place in our hearts for their service to those in need.
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