In today’s fast-paced, consumer-driven society, it is easy to take the possessions we have for granted. We tend to move through our day-to-day lives thoughtlessly using shampoo to wash our hair, pans to cook our breakfast, mugs to fill with coffee, coats to put on our backs, and blankets to keep us warm at night. In short, it is safe to say that we do not stop each day to imagine what our lives would be like without these very basic items.
But let’s take some time to imagine it – right now, for just a minute. Imagine having to worry about keeping up with your personal hygiene because what little money you do have has to go toward keeping your belly full. Imagine trying to sleep at night in the depths of winter when you have no blankets, and your gas is about to be shut off because you can’t afford to pay the bill. Imagine walking to the bus stop on a crisp, cold morning with only a t-shirt and jeans on…because they are the only two pieces of clothing you own. Seems hard to imagine, doesn’t it? Sadly, there are people in our community and throughout the nation that have to face these struggles every single day.
It is when we stop to think about these scenarios when we are able to step back, appreciate the things we have, and think about those who are without. Nate and Jenny Steuer, a married couple from Lincoln, Nebraska have done just that. Nate and Jenny realized that they still had not opened many of their wedding gifts after a year, but when they finally did, they did not have the space to store their old items.
Because of this, Nate researched local charities and found Community Action Partnership of Lancaster and Saunders Counties (“Community Action”). Community Action provides services and programs to families and individuals at or below 100 percent of the federal poverty guidelines, and also operates an “incentive store” where its participants can earn points to shop in the store. Community Action participants earn points through attending meetings with their assigned family advocates and making progress toward their goals. Nate chose to donate to the incentive store at Community Action because “the store is only open to people who are in school, working, and trying to better themselves.”
After donating, Nate and Jenny believed in the mission of Community Action so much that they decided to start their own charity drive called “GIFTS,” which stands for “Giving Individuals and Families Tools for Success.” Items collected through GIFTS are then donated to Community Action so that individuals and families who are making progress toward becoming self-sufficient can be provided with the things they need to survive, and continue progress toward their goals.
GIFTS accepts all donations, but especially aims to collect household items such as plates, silverware, pots, pans, Tupperware, and blankets. Also needed are unopened hygiene products such as shampoo, soap, laundry detergent, tissue/bath paper, etc. The only item GIFTS cannot currently accept is large furniture, as there is lack of space in the incentive store.
To stay up-to-date on GIFT’s donation drives and giving initiatives, or to set up a donation, simply “like” their Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/GIFTSoflancastercounty.
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