‘Get Up & Give’ for Methodist Family Health

02-03-2012

‘Get Up & Give’ for Methodist Family Health

Collection during Lent benefits children and families

Often, when a child or family arrives at a Methodist Family Health facility, they have only the clothes they’re wearing. They lack basic necessities, such as socks, underwear and toiletries.

The season of Lent, which begins Feb. 22, is traditionally a time to give up something. Methodist Family Health encourages United Methodists in Arkansas to use Lent as a time to “get up and give” something that will make a difference in the lives of others. This year marks the third annual Get Up & Give collection for Methodist Family Health, a nonprofit organization providing emotional and behavioral health services for more than 1,400 children and families each day.

Churches, church groups, community groups and individuals are encouraged to collect necessity items for children and families served by the Methodist Family Health hospital, alternative schools, group homes and clinics throughout Arkansas. Items on the collection list include socks, underwear, diapers, baby wipes, paper towels, toothbrushes, toothpaste, toilet paper, backpacks and duffel bags. All items must be new.

Items may be dropped off at any of the seven Methodist Family Health counseling clinics around the state—in Batesville, Fayetteville, Heber Springs, Jonesboro, Little Rock, Magnolia and Mount Ida. Drop-offs may be made the week of April 9-13, during regular business hours.

“The generosity of our communities will bring a smile to the faces of the kids and families we serve on a daily basis,” says Andy Altom, Methodist Family Health chief executive officer. “Many of the children who arrive here come with nothing more than the shirt on their backs. Get Up & Give is an opportunity for us to engage our surrounding community to make a difference in these children’s lives.”

For more information, contact Jane Dennis at Methodist Family Health, 501-661-0720, ext. 7157.