by Bill Kear
“And Jesus said to him ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: you shall love your neighbor as yourself”.”
Matthew 22:37-39
What if I told you there was a place where you can participate and experience these wonderful commandments from Jesus simultaneously? Well, that place exists, and it is one of Hebron’s Mission partners, The Blessing Board. It is there that families and individuals who are truly hurting and in need not only receive assistance with furniture and home goods needs; but more importantly are loved in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Now you may be thinking that sounds great, but I just don’t have the time to volunteer on a regular basis. Well the wonderful news is that there are many other ways to participate and support this beautiful ministry. Individual contributions are welcome in any amount, and folks are encouraged to pray and consider the “Give a Heart” initiative, which is a commitment for a $500 gift per year. All funds received go toward sustaining the necessary operations to keep the ministry viable (think rent, utilities, vehicles for picking up beds and furniture, etc).
And if your schedule does permit, there is always a need for volunteers in a broad spectrum of roles. Some volunteers can come a few times per year, some perhaps once a month, and others on an almost weekly basis. Regardless of the frequency, help is always needed and embraced. Whether it is sorting donated home goods, helping to load a truck, or talking with a person that is hurting and in need of love, they are all important activities that make it possible for us to share the good news of the Gospel and Jesus!
A third way is simply to share The Blessing Board’s activities with family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers. Virtually all of us have a time where we can share a used table or dresser, maybe a bed or sheets, or even some pots and pans; anything that helps to make a house into a home. The Blessing Board can accept drop-off contributions at the Oakmont facility (140 Pennsylvania Ave, 15139) Monday thru Friday from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, and at the McKeesport location (820 Market St.) on Mondays from 3:00 to 7:00 pm.
The best way to find out how you can get involved is to visit The Blessing Board’s website at www.theblessingboard.org. It has been recently updated and revised, and has all the details pertaining to how to volunteer, donate financially, or share furniture and home goods contributions. In addition, you’ll find information about The Blessing Board’s mission and history serving and loving the least, the last, and the lost. Those of us that the Lord has called as followers of Jesus know that it is a great gift, and nothing we have earned or deserved. Please consider coming alongside The Blessing Board and helping to share that great gift with our neighbors who are truly hurting and in need.
