Donation to Orrville church benefits locals

Published 6:18 pm Saturday, June 28, 2014

Community members look over items during a giveaway Saturday at First Baptist Church in Orrville. (Jay Sowers | Times-Journal)

Community members look over items during a giveaway Saturday at First Baptist Church in Orrville. (Jay Sowers | Times-Journal)

One anonymous woman’s donation of clothing and household items to a local church gave the neediest members of her community a chance to take home the lightly used goods for free on Saturday.

Eight tables were covered with clothing for men, women and children, as well as toys, books and games Saturday during a love giveaway at the First Baptist Church in Orrville.

“All of this was actually donated by a member of the community,” said church member Lillie Richardson. “One lady in our community, who is not a member at the church, felt the love of God on her heart, and this is the result of that love.”

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Orrville resident Willie Mitchell was on hand Saturday, filling a black plastic bag with items for herself and her family.

“This will be a big help for me. I found books and games to enjoy, and some clothes for me. I found a skirt for my granddaughter,” Mitchell said. “I can’t hardly believe one person donated all of this. That is so nice.”

Richardson, who helped organize Saturday’s giveaway, said she had no doubt divine intervention played a role in the donation that would benefit so many.

“Just seeing the smiles on people’s faces brought on by her generosity, it’s just a beautiful thing. It is awesome,” Richardson said. “To God be the glory. This lady was just an angel that fell from heaven and blessed us with these clothes.”

Pastor Curtis Jackson said more than half the donated items were claimed by community members Saturday.

Jackson said the church would open its doors for others to look over the items after Sunday’s 8 a.m. service, as well as Tuesday and July 12.

“We want to give everyone a chance to benefit from this donation,” Jackson said. “And after the twelfth of July, we’ll take anything still on the tables to the Salvation Army.”

Jackson said the random donation is an example of the true purpose of a church.

“There is a great need in this community for everything she brought in. Her donation reveals the true nature of the church. God has called me to teach on the true nature of the church, and here it is. We are so blessed by this donation.”

For more information about the items, call the church at 996-0842, or Jackson at 419-6813.