Nan Nasser
Mountain Shadows Presbyterian Church, located at 14240 N. Oracle Road in Catalina, hosts a monthly food collection to support area food banks including the Tri Community Food Bank in Mammoth. Church Elder Elizabeth Houle recently had the opportunity to visit that food bank as well as a stop at Kids’ Closet also in Mammoth.
She was very impressed with the book selection for the children who visit the closet. Each child is invited to select two books with each visit to the closet. Elizabeth decided to turn the June food collection into something a bit larger. Called “Feed the Mind and Body” program, she requested food and books suitable for the youngsters in age groups up to 8th grade.
Not only did our congregation bring in food, but they also donated 265 books, both new and modestly used. Cornerstone Christian Academy, with the assistance of MSPC member Julie Wiens, provided a large portion of the books that went to Kids’ Closet. During the last fiscal period 5,464 books went home with 1,823 kids. Children are selected by school administrators, based on need, and visit the closet for a seasonal wardrobe that includes pants, shirts, underwear, shoes, hygiene items and the books. Winter wardrobes include a windbreaker, knitted hat and warmer clothing.