Steps of Compassion
Warmth In Every Stitch:
Stowe Mission’s Innovative Fleece Coat Project Takes Shape
An inspired idea and vision occurred this fall when Stowe Mission was given five bolts of fleece fabric from Walmart.
Josh Shortridge, Director of Outreach, began brainstorming with a longtime volunteer, Teri Lewis. Teri is a talented seamstress who had previously sewn adult and children’s blankets, hats and scarves for Stowe Mission neighbors.
Together, Josh and Teri saw the opportunity to create men’s coats from this fleece, an always-needed commodity. They began considering the design features needed for Stowe Mission neighbors who are predominately living on the streets in Columbus. Some considered features included large sizing for layering, hoods for warmth and a hidden pocket.
In August, Teri began adapting commercial coat patterns, redesigning and sewing to meet real-life living conditions. Determining that elastic at the wrist was essential to keep warm, Teri began researching the measurements for men’s wrist sizes, including Dr. Joe, her dentist.
During this same time, Teri received a serious medical diagnosis and faced surgery and treatments. “I was grateful for this positive and challenging task and the opportunity to focus on something other than my problems. God showed me that I had the choice to be intentional with my time and money,” said Teri.
Teri is excited about how this program could grow and evolve with additional volunteers and donations. Her steps of faith and willingness inspire and encourage others to get involved and volunteer in a ministry at Stowe Mission.
“It is my privilege to serve alongside this woman of faith who brings blessings to so many of us,” said Josh. “Providing these exceptional, hand-crafted treasures to our neighbors will be an honor.”
Do you have a God-given skill that may benefit our Stowe Mission neighbors? It’s always the right time to get involved. Sign up to volunteer as an individual or group!
Celebrating Your Response!
Giving Tuesday Results
We are excited to share the incredible success of our Giving Tuesday campaign. Thanks to the overwhelming generosity of our supporters, we raised $10,119.10 for our community support programs. With the added impact of two generous matching gifts, our total donation reached $15,119.10.
To all who contributed, shared, and supported our cause – we are so grateful. Your kindness and compassion will have a lasting impact on the lives of those in need.
Toys of Hope 2024
Spreading joy, laughter, and love in our community. Thanks to your generosity, the Stowe Mission Toy Drive was tremendously successful. 1,746 toys were given to needy families, as each registered child received two toys. This warm community support embraced our neighbors.
Parsons Ave.
518 kids received gifts
The Hub – Sharon Woods
355 kids received gifts
Lavish Blessings!
With the addition of another Stowe Mission Food Pantry location (The Hub – Sharon Woods) and rising costs, our shelves are challenging to keep stocked. Lifepoint Church, with campuses in Powell, Westerville, and Plain City, recently organized a food drive to support Stowe Mission. The result of their generosity was staggering – 9,460 lbs of nonperishable foods were collected, making it the largest food collection in our history!
Thank you to everyone at Lifepoint Church who contributed to the Stowe Mission Food Pantry! Your generosity is a blessing to countless neighbors in need, and your steadfast support has been a true pillar for the Stowe Mission community. Your commitment, from toys to backpacks, food, and financial contributions, has been invaluable. We could not do this without the generosity of our partners like you.
Are you interested in hosting a food drive for your organization? Stowe Mission makes it easy — we provide bags with nonperishable food item labels, AND we’ll pick up the collected food at your location. Call 614-445-8400 to discuss setting up a food drive for your organization.
Sharing Love & Nourishment
During the holidays in the Stowe Mission Community Kitchen, besides hosting our wonderful neighbors a delicious lunch, we extended the warmth beyond our kitchen doors! Thanks to the incredible generosity of our donors, each family was offered a bag of groceries filled with essential items and pantry goodies. It’s heartening to see how a simple act of kindness can ripple through our community, making a meaningful impact for 74 families!
We sincerely thank all our incredible partners. Stowe Mission is more than a place; it’s a family, and we’re making a significant impact together.
Collecting Cold Weather Supplies
We are collecting crucial cold-weather supplies. Join us in a compassionate effort to keep our neighbors warm and safe this winter.
Donations can be dropped off at Stowe Mission at 888 Parsons Ave., Monday – Friday, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm.
You can donate:
• Heavy Winter Coats for men, women, and children (Large and up)
• Winter Gloves (Large and up)
• Heavy Blankets
• Hats
• Scarves
• Hand Warmers
