“Sew” much has happened since our last Cuba Project Update. Each collection point contributed to the goal and our last shipment went to Global Links for a total of 10,000 kits!
The last shipment from the PA Collection Point left First United Methodist Church of Pittsburgh this summer. Above is a picture of the FUMC staff member T.K. and Monique with Robin of Global Links celebrating the last big shipment. Nelson took the picture.
I’m grateful that we were able to move into FUMC at the end of 2023. In many ways, it felt like jumping into a life boat knowing that the journey would be difficult but ultimately, we were headed to a safe harbor. The staff and congregation have welcomed us and several congregation members have joined us on Tuesday mornings. Pastor Tracy, Nelson, T.K., and Monique have helped us navigate using the new space, working with other user groups, and helping us get packages downstairs and then back up and out. The staff coordinated with Global Links to get the shipments out because the Global Links truck was only able to stop on days when our shared space was being used by the other group. So, ahead of the shipments, my team carried the boxes up the stairs and places them in a hallway near the door. Then the wonderful FUMC staff got the kits onto the truck. In just 6 months, the congregation and staff have embraced our DfG group and it feels great!. Even with all of the joyful helpers, we knew that this wasn’t completely sustainable, so we continued to be open to new possibilities.
I took some time away this spring to be a pilgrim in Japan, an RV traveler in the USA, and a child of God looking for what was next. Travel really helps me evaluate my life in a way that enables me become more flexible in the way that I live. It was in this space of open mind and open heart that the possibility of moving to Grove City began to take shape.
When I returned home, the plan solidified with the big team (Grove City, Oakdale, Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh North, and Pittsburgh South). We are in the habit of meeting together regularly and often the leadership visits the other teams to coordinator our efforts and components. Once we worked out that the patterns of our travel between teams would really only change slightly, we knew that moving the collection point would be the best move. Basically, the “stuff” is moving, but the teams will continue to work together. The Pittsburgh Chapter will remain at FUMC and enjoy getting to know all of our new friends there. The PA Collection point will move to Grove City where there are no stairs to navigate. I handed over leadership of the Chapter to my more than capable co-leaders, Rachel, Constance, and Pat. I will focus on coordinating the efforts of the big team and Collection Point.
I hope to train new collection point volunteers after the open house so we can begin preparing for our next big shipment.
If you are a DfG team and you have stuff already sent to FUMC that’s going to be just fine. We are hoping that with your next shipment you will send to the new collection point address.
The Grove City team and the PA Collection Point are hosting an open house on Sunday September 15th from noon to 2:30 pm for anyone who wants to learn what DfG is all about. We would love to have other DfG teams visit too, so you can see the collection point and drop off any items you wish.
The new contact information for the PA Collection Point:
Days for Girls – Collection Point
GJR Receiving Dept.
233 George Junior RoadGrove City, PA 16127
pacollectionpoint@daysforgirls.org
PA Collection Point Facebook Page
@dfg_pacollectionpoint
Donate to the PA Collection Point
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