From the fall of 2016 through the fall of 2017, Chester Friends accepted the Cardboard City Challenge from Youth Director Mandi Fast and Co-Pastor Nancy McCormick. They challenged the congregation to raise funds for the Clinton County Homeless Shelter as an intergenerational activity.
We reminded friends that teamwork was needed to accomplish this task; we were to be a loving community — young and old working together for one common goal.
Mandi encouraged individuals to invite the youth to clean homes, weed gardens, do dishes and haul furniture. Some accepted the challenge to paint, while others created a lovely secret garden.
The people who benefited from the work then paid into our homeless shelter fund, and others in the congregation financially matched those gifts. Friends were also encouraged to collect loose change throughout the year, giving the littlest ones a job to do as well.
It was a celebratory event, and this faithful Quaker meeting was proud to accept the trophy stating we raised the largest contribution of 2017 — of $3,060.
Mandi then encouraged Chester Friends to put on their capes and go the distance to leap into the challenge of the 2018 CANstruction event. She asked the congregation to bring in non-perishables as she carefully designed the theme of Batman & Robin as our superheroes. She was committed to making this a superhero project that wold soar and help us learn about the gift of giving, especially to those who are sometimes cast into the margins.
Chester was humbled and honored to receive the CANstruction award for 2018. In addition, the food items collected by the teams participating benefit the food pantry at the Clinton County Homeless Shelter. The food pantry assists those living at the shelter and hundreds of families from Clinton County each year.
It is now your turn to participate in the 2018 Cardboard City event. Please join other community members at the annual event being held Saturday, Sept. 15.
We are looking forward to seeing you there. For more information, call 937-382-7058 and ask for Denise, Ginny or Amber.
