Buddy Bags (Winter Buddies)

We have had a little mission going on for about 2 to 3 years now. It ran only during the winter and appropriately called “Winter Buddies”. This year we have become a quasi-team trying to promote this program as a ministry to our neighbors. Also, starting this year, we decided to include the summer months and change the name to “Buddy Bags”.

It consists of a friendly visit to a few lonely seniors with “Buddy Bags” filled with a meal, some snacks, paper products, or gift certificates for anything like ice cream or groceries. These “Buddy Bags” put a smile on our precious, senior neighbors’ faces. It also gives them a chance to engage in a little conversation about what has been going on in their lives. Our bonus is knowing they are doing okay, and it eases our minds.

The “Buddy Bags” are our foot in the door, providing much more than just a meal or a snack. It is a quick safety check and a much-needed human connection to some of our homebound seniors and disabled neighbors who are living independently in their own home for as long as possible.

Today, we provide for only four people, so there is room for more. If you think of someone who could benefit from this ministry, please talk to them. Ask them if they are interested in becoming part of this mission. if they are, please also check for any allergies or diet restrictions. We would love to put them on our list.

We have been delivering bags to our “Winter Buddies” every week during the past few winters, but this year we thought it would be nice to continue through the summers. The difference is during the summer months, we will visit our neighboring senior citizens every other week, alternating a meal one week and snacks the next. AND we will continue our “Buddy Bags” every week during the extreme winter weather to keep in closer contact.

We want to thank everyone who, in the past, has donated meals, snacks, and anything you thought would be enjoyed or needed.

We hope you can continue to support this ministry, including donating a few minutes of your time to help with deliveries and checking on our precious neighbors.

The more hands that are helping, the more successful our Buddy Bag ministry program will be. It is just a quick safety check and a much-needed human connection with a welcoming “Buddy Bag” in your hand. Your reward is almost guaranteed to be a big smile and a heartfelt “Thank you.” So please sign up…do what you can…when you can…as often as you can.

Shirley Everhart - Chairperson Buddy Bags Ministry