This week’s post is from the Storehouse team.
Clothed with Dignity
People ask me “Why did you set up the Storehouse? And what’s it all about?” Well the answer is quite simple really, we set it up because as a Church we felt we had to respond practically to the very real needs that families are facing in times of financial hardship with compassion. One of our core values at the Storehouse is that the families who come to us are treated with respect, kindness and dignity.
It affects everything that we do, from the way we sort the donations of clothes we receive through to the welcome we give the families and the reason we run our campaigns. it’s all about the families.
The Families
Here are some stories of families that we have helped recently so you get an insight into the work of the storehouse and the impact that we have.
“Hi, we came to see you today. We were really apprehensive before we came. I just wanted to say a massive thank you from me, Jock and Izzie. You instantly made us feel at ease. The children are still smiling from ear to ear, even Izzie who finds very little to smile about lately.
The work you are doing is fantastic and very much appreciated. I never thought I would need to use your kind of service but so very glad we got referred. I actually feel relieved that the kids can go out in clean clothes and not have to worry about washing and drying overnight. The children have planned to fill their IKEA bags with old too small clothes and give them back to you. I don’t think you realised how much today meant to us all. Thank you so so much.”
More recently, a woman (I shall call her Sureha) came on behalf of a family member, as they had had to flee the family home due to extreme domestic violence. She was devastated by the circumstances that her family now found themselves in and was so grateful to us for the help we were able to give her.
Before she left, she said to us…”It’s amazing you allowed me to choose colours and sizes of clothes. For me it is happiness. I feel very welcome. I only expected one bag but I have lots!! Thank you for the books and toys.” Then she thrust her phone into my hand and said here my relative wants to thank you. At that point I couldn’t hold back the tears…
This year we’ve seen ‘returning families’ come to the Storehouse. It’s nice to know that families have had a positive experience and feel safe and supported enough to want to come back. One family who were visiting for their second time were so touched by the welcome they received, they insisted on bringing lunch to thank the team!
These are some of the reasons we do what we do. We see the needs, we are moved with compassion and we act with kindness.
Getting involved
If you would like to get involved then please consider supporting our current “Christmas, Pants and socks campaign.” Details are below.
You can find more about the Storehouse on the website or follow us on Facebook.
