Thanks to Redi Quick Signs, a family owned and operated small business, we now have signs out front on Oakland Park and beside our Help Center door.  Now it will be easier for people to find our new Help Center and Warehouse to leave donations or pick up needed hygiene and cleaning items.
God's Hygiene is filling a real need in the Linden community.  The first week our new help center was open we served 50 clients.  Nearly every person is a new client.  Because of COVID-19, we set up card tables outside so they can complete their order form to choose 6 hygiene or cleaning items.  Then a volunteer goes inside the warehouse to fill the order into a new pink GHHC giveaway bag.  Clients can also choose a free Christian book and any free community resources including Our Daily Bread.  Notice the newly painted white area in the middle photo below.  Our fabulous mural artist Debby Campbell is adding another mural of a young boy and girl--she will use childhood pics of Ross and Tammy as models.
​Minerva Behavioral Health  is a drug rehab facility on Medina Avenue in Columbus, Ohio. It is a Substance Abuse Residential Rehab Facility and provides treatment to people with drug addiction and other substance abuse problems. They have a 30 day residential program after devoting at Maryhaven, Talbot Hall, etc.  The residents of this sober living program discovered GHHC is within walking distance  so each day some of their new clients visit us.  Two of the ladies and one man have volunteered at the Help Center.  They want to attend church on Sunday but most churches are limiting attendance to regular members.  
It's all about Tammy sharing free community resources with the clients so she has driven clients to Salvation Army on Karl Road for their drive through food pantry  on Tuesdays and Thursdays until noon. So now Salvation Army is  referring their clients to God's Hygiene for hygiene and we are referring our clients to them to get a food box.
God's Hygiene is blessed that we have Evangelist Priscilla "Prays on Purpose" McCullough coming to pray with our clients.  Some of us cleaned out our bookshelves and now everyone picking up hygiene may choose their own Christian book.  We are glad to accept any inkind donations from your home collection.
​We are in need of volunteers to serve once or twice a month either helping stock hygiene or filling client orders. We have a lot of fun and serving together.  This week we had a new volunteer who wanted to get out of his house.  John, who happens to be  in a wheelchair scooter, helps set up, waters the flowers and greets the clients.  Please let Terry, Lesley Tate or Diane know if you are interested.  You may also complete a simple application at https://www.godshygiene.org/volunteer.html
God will use His wonderful riches in Christ Jesus to give you everything you need.  Philippians 4:19
Help me, Lord, to wait for Your perfect timing.  And while I wait, teach me to live the way You want me to.  I will follow You!

There was an extra shelf upstairs at our warehouse so we let our wonderful police liaison Officer Alesia Zacher take it.  She placed it in police substation #5 at 11th and Cleveland Avenues.  Tammy stocked it with adult Depends and other basic hygiene items she had at her Howey Road Help Center.  Officer uses the items when making wellness checks in the community.
Would you believe that GHHC helped clothe over 7 children this month?  A volunteer and friend Melissa agreed to watch a baby for a short time.  Several weeks have now passed and the baby is still with Melissa.  Thanks to Sue Zerman who donated little outfits for the baby.  
Kids in need seem to flock to Tammy and it hurts her heart to see children barefoot and without clothes.  She has given out 25 pairs of flip-flops plus name brand tennis shoes--one pair to a man in exchange for helping in the upstairs at the warehouse and the other pair to a homeless man.
​Neighbors are falling in love with Tammy and our Blessing Box.  Now they are donating boxes of food including fresh produce so on some days, the Blessing Box is overflowing.
Paul Nordman  wrote about Tammy and God's Hygiene Help Center through his daily blog  3 years ago.   A woman just read it and reached out to Paul how to connect with God's Hygiene.  Even though the new Help Center was closed for the week, Tammy served the young woman from her Howey Center and also requested a box of food be delivered to her. A couch or dressers are also needed.  God is so good!

Before winter comes, we still need to add insulation in the upstairs "office" at our warehouse.  Tammy's only brother Ross had offered to provide the materials and labor to remodel the upstairs.  But as a number of you are aware, Ross recently has had 2 surgeries for his heart and repair  the mesh in his intestines.  Because of COVID our donations have decreased so we need to wait a few months to pay for needed insulation.
News Flash!  James, who has worked with Ross for years, has offered to remodel the upstairs for free!  He began work on September 18.  Thank you Jame!

Dr. Ce Ce Harris of Columbus Recreation and Parks came to our Because School Matters event and then stayed and volunteered with her children.  She saw how the parents appreciated the giveaway, so she decided to plan one for the Far East Community Center.  Since the community centers support God's Hygiene where we hope to open up future help centers, GHHC donated some funds for hygiene for their giveaway as well as loaning safety cones and clipboards.
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
​Philippians 4:4-7 NIV
    ‘I have chosen you and have not rejected you.
So do not fear, for I am with you;
    do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
    I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.’  ISAIAH 41:9–10
These are such wonderful words of comfort, particularly if you are having a hard time.

Tammy shared this message, "My neighbor has received many people are thanking her for the food.   The Blessing Box is truly a blessing.  She tells them thank the lady next door and thank Jesus.  She has received many notes and knocks on her door just saying thank you--this is sent from God.  Need it so desperately.  So many grandmothers are falling into my arms crying out for help thanking the Lord for this Blessing Box, the hygiene and the resources plus all important, the prayers."  Thank you Judy Shuff, Sue Zerman and The Food Soldier for helping stock our Blessing Box at 3022 Howey Road.
A mother of 5 visited the Blessing Box.  We were able to have ICC deliver a box of food to the family.  The next day Debby returned "to pay it forward."  She is a super couponer; she  then  shopped and donated 20 tubes of toothpaste, and more!
​
The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentation 3:22-23

After Paul Sparks installed the new floor, he called GHHC that 2 men in the Embark program were being released.  So Tammy got busy packing two huge Clean Start Basket.  Our donors make it possible for us to show others "where love wins."  The recipients in these programs are ever so grateful to have cleaning items and basic hygiene all because they are  children of God.

Romans 8:28 God causes ALL things to work together for good to those who love him and are called according to his purposes.

Back in 2011 when God told Tammy to open a Help Center, He also told her that He would send the people with an education and experience as well as that one day she would be helping so many people that she would have a warehouse building.  On Friday, June 12, Tammy Jewell, Founder, and Terry Starr, Executive Director, signed the lease for such a building.  Securing the warehouse has been a group project.  For months Terry and others have been praying and searching in the Linden area for just the right building. Tammy and Diane Hendrickson, Vice President, were driving on on an errand on Oakland Park Avenue when Tammy said, "Turn into this parking lot.  I have watched this being built and now this is empty."  So Diane took a photo of the phone number and the large sign saying Urgent Care Center and forwarded to Terry.  Terry then shared with GHHC Board member Robin Lorms who knows about real estate.  They met with Pedro the owner and came up with a deal.  It's a great location--just 5 minutes from Tammy's home in the Linden area, across the street from Family Dollar where she frequently shops, and next door to Donato's where police officers like to frequent plus they donated pizza for previous God's Hygiene events.  We will have a warehouse with 2 new garage doors to easily unload and store hygiene products.  On the right will be a door for clients to place an order from the Help Center.  Upstairs will be several rooms for an office.  Pedro is installing new windows, siding and cleaning the building up for us. Bob Apel with his architect background visited to give opinions on layout plan.  He will also sketch out a plan for a mural instead of a sign on the large outside wall.  Thank you to Nancy Gillette who looked over the contract and lease as an attorney. Tammy's brother, Ross Jewell, is an experienced construction worker who will help with the renovations.  We get possession on July 1 and are planning our grand opening and backpack giveaway on August 1, 2020.  Hurrah!  Our God keeps his promises!

Letter to Karen Kemp, Chair of the UALC Mission Committee:
​Yes it is a very challenging time for everyone but especially hard on our neighbors living in poverty.  While all of the help centers are closed, we are working to prepare for reopening. Tammy serves only people that she knows and leaves the hygiene products in a box on her driveway for them to pick up. Tammy has to be especially careful as she is an “at risk” person due to past health issues. Please pray for God’s protection for her! Tammy has a huge heart to serve while still being careful of her own health.
Yesterday I delivered over $1500 worth of hygiene and personal care items to the Columbus Dream Center which is serving their community on Saturdays with a Grocery Pick Up program. We hope to donate again in the coming weeks.
We are implementing a new inventory management system and client database which will be a huge help in keeping track of our products and clients. We are currently working on getting information into the system so that it is ready to go when we reopen.
We have created a business model and organizational structure which is in the implementation stage. We are looking for volunteer staff and helpers which are critical to our growth and success. More information and staff job descriptions  are on our website.
We are looking for a storefront and warehouse for the help center that is in Tammy’s home. We need to move it out of her house as soon as possible.
Our prayer requests are for healing of our nation, for comfort and peace for all who are mourning during this difficult time, for the health and well-being for all of our communities and our nation, and for hearts to be opened to hear God’s voice and know that Jesus is the Savior and Lord. Please pray for Tammy and all of GHHC’s volunteers for God’s protection.
Please pray that God will bring the people to serve with us as we reopen our help centers and grow.
Please pray for God’s guidance in securing a storefront and warehouse in the near future.
Thank you and the UALC Mission Committee for your dedication and support of God’s Hygiene Help Center. We are truly working diligently to help “provide dignity and hope through hygiene to those in need with the compassion of Jesus!”
God bless,
Terry

“The Mighty One, God, the Lord! The Mighty One, God, the Lord! He knows!" Joshua 22:22a
 After a meeting with Pastor Dave, he was kind enough to let Diane into the Church at Mill Run  to pick up our in kind donations and invitations to the The Great Giveaway.  When Diane delivered the boxes to Tammy,  she exclaimed, "We were completely out of razors.  God knew and provided boxes of both men's and women's razors.  Thank you Lord!"  ​Our God is so good and always knows just what we need.

Eden Counseling Center sent wonderful thank you notes from their clients who attended our Glamour Time event on Valentine's Day.  At the end of the program of course Tammy opened the Help Center and served people who needed hygiene.
I truly appreciate the tools and cleaning supplies for the house that I live in.  This helps me live my life in an organized way and keep my depression under control.  Thank you very much.  Bonnie
Thanks for helping out we need the support and help build character and build balance.  So thanks.  J
Thank you for providing me with the hygiene products.  This was definitely a blessing.  We appreciate all that you do for us.  Thanks again.  Tyrene

On Tuesday a grandma who grew up as a preacher’s daughter and whose husband was an army chaplain, contacted me.  She had been given my name and number from Diane at God’s Hygiene and wanted to know if I had any resources for her daughter Claire who had fled the state from an abusive husband, and had come back home with her 9 and 5 year old daughters.  Claire was also pregnant and in the hospital because of her at risk pregnancy.  Claire wasn’t able to bring anything for her baby and needed supplies.  They had all spent over $2000 getting her home.  They had no money for baby supplies.  When I told her about the warehouse full of supplies for babies and moms in the Vista Worthington warehouse for The Great Giveaway, and told her that I would meet her the next day and that she could have anything she wanted, she started to cry.  We talked about God and how good He is and that He loves and cares for us always.   

The next day, we loaded up my empty minivan with a pack n play, high chair, bassinet, stroller, car seat, changing table,  bouncy seat, toys and clothes for the baby.  And wouldn’t you know it, there were also clothes there for the 5 year old!  Ruthie and her husband were speechless.  I was smiling a huge huge smile inside and out, because that is what God does with this ministry I have had for 9 years.  He blesses us so abundantly.   I drove the minivan to their house and unloaded it all in their garage.  They were overwhelmed and overcome and so grateful.  The text conversations have been really tender and loving and glorifying to God:

Grandma:  God has definitely brought a precious blessing.  My daughter couldn’t talk, she was crying uncontrollably with happiness.  She said to please tell you that this is a precious answer to her many hours of prayer for her little family.  She feels abundantly blessed.  See you tomorrow, God bless you.  Thank you.

Amy: I’m so grateful God has brought us together as well.  Its an awesome answer to my prayers as well that God would use the present trials of the world to draw us closer to the One who cares and is in control of it all.
Grandma:  Thank you for everything that you are doing.  You are showing God’s love to others and blessing them.  
Amy:  It’s for His Glory
Grandma:  Amen, Praise God.  You are an angel
Grandma:  Amy, I have to reach out to you to thank you for making my babygirl able to relax and rest worry free about her needs for baby James,  Gail and Heidi are so happy with the back packs, stuffed animals, and games, God has blessed us so very much.  Prayers have been answered from your faithful efforts.  Thank you.  Thank you for your precious prayers and all your efforts to help others.  You are doing His will in all your time and efforts.  I'm still trying to take in all of the blessings of today.
Amy:  Honestly, the privilege is all mine.  It was such a joy to meet you guys and to know that your trial has been made a little easier.  Thank you so much for your sweet text.  I am praying for you all.
Grandma:  Thank you my sister in Christ.
Amy:  Yes, He is my Savior and my strength. (I sent her the Nashville singers epic cell phone choir of “It is well with my soul”)
Grandma:  I was in the habit of praying every morning, evening, and whenever needed…now I seem to spend more time in prayer than anything else.  Isn’t God GREAT!!!
Amy:  He loves it when we draw nearer to Him!
Grandma:  He is all we truly need!  With God nothing is impossible
Amy:  Amen.

My daughter Clare, a journalist was with me for all of this and said “This is a story of how people right now might be just hanging on financially, but adding a big expense like this would wipe them out."  Amy Proctor. https://www.thetablegatherings.com
​

Tammy shops for most of her stock right in her Linden community.  We felt so blessed when the manager of Family Dollar on Oakland Park called her that he wanted to donate new winter coats and boots for preschoolers to God's Hygiene Help Center.  Wow!  Tammy prayed about where to take the donation.  God led her to the daycare center down the street from her home at Howey and Weber Roads--Kids R Us.  .  Look at the happy faces of these children with the surprise gifts.  
Last week an UALC Sunday school teacher donated 3 children's thermometers and alcohol wipes.  Tammy delivered them to the same daycare center.  Thank you for your thoughtfulness!  Tammy took time to visit with the owner or the Center.  She  said there were 20 pairs of boots in sizes from newborn to age 4.  It was like a gift from heaven.  Tammy replied, "That is what I have been telling everyone!  It is all from God!"  Tammy also noticed there are pregnant women with no place to go  just hanging out at the Center.  So she will get their name, number and email to share about the Great Giveaway (of baby items for young mothers) planned by The Table Gathering.

A girlfriend picked up Tammy on her birthday to take her to First Watch for breakfast and to Kohl's to shop.  When the server saw Tammy, she said, "You're that hygiene lady!  I want to pay for your breakfast!"  They received  excellent service from their server and enjoyed eating  wonderful breakfasts.  After  they left First Watch, Tammy asked her friend, "Did you leave her a good tip?"  "No, you usually leave the tip."  Tammy felt bad for the young server.  

​Two weeks later Tammy and Diane are driving past the same First Watch.  The Holy Spirit nudged Tammy to stop and give the server a tip.  The young woman had just had a baby and so appreciated the money.  Also that same morning God's Hygiene had received information about the the 3rd Annual Great Giveaway on Saturday, April 4 organized by The Table Gathering at the Columbus Dream Center.  So Tammy had Diane get  her name, email and phone number so she could be invited to the free shopping event and lunch.  Tammy was so grateful that she was faithful; she listened and obeyed God when He directed her to stop that day.

Word about God's Hygiene is spreading around to all organizations.  Since we are still a very small nonprofit with no government or corporate support, we usually have to turn away large agencies.  GHHC received this email:  
Hello! I am inquiring about how to refer a family to you. I see a mother and her young children here in our outpatient clinic, they’ve been homeless for months but are about to move into a home and are in need of some cleaning and household supplies as well as hygiene items. Can you provide me some information on how to get them connected with your organization? Sincerely, Kelsey Bakaletz, MSW, LSW
Clinical Social Worker
Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics
Nationwide Children’s Hospital, LA, Suite 3D
We checked with Terry, our new Executive Director, and she replied that the request did fit our mission.  So Kelsey and we have been emailing back and form.  The concern is that we do not have the volunteers to deliver hygiene to clients.  But Tammy will be happy to start building a Clean Start Basket for the mom and include stuffed animals for her children.
Kelsey replied, "So mom typically uses the bus system and I would ultimately cab her there if she needed. That is so wonderful of you to think of stuffed animals for the kids. Mom will really appreciate that special touch of kindness. I will let her know that we’ve discussed her referral."  
​It is all God who really made the referral.

God's Hygiene makes regular deliveries to Linden McKinley STEM Academy.  This week we printed a sign for Tiffany, the school nurse, to post so students know they can get needed hygiene items like deodorant, soap and feminine products.
Windsor Elementary STEM Academy plans to have a hygiene project involving their 5th graders.  GHHC will be  glad to be able to provide sample sizes of shampoo, toothbrushes and toothpaste.

On Friday, February 14 we held Glamour-Time which was a successful event thanks to Thrivent Financial giving us an Action Team project gift card of $250. Wonderful GHHC volunteers Lesley Tate, Maura McCormick, Melissa Gray and Priscilla McCullough arrived early  to the Douglas Community Center  to help set up.  Mary Kay consultants led by Director Cynthia Ruccia gave complimentary facials.  God's Hygiene Help Center  provided  resource sheets to get community assistance in Central Ohio.    Nearly 50 women were treated to a complimentary lunch of Chicken Salad Chick croissants, fresh veggies and fruit, and Cheryl's Cookies.  They received community resources, facials, "new" purse,  skin care products, and 2 beautiful fresh red roses.  Everyone left feeling very blessed  for a blessed Happy Valentine's Day treat.
Did you know if you are a member of Thrivent, you may donate your CHOICE dollars to a charity of your choice such as God's Hygiene.  Also you may apply for 2 Thrivent Action Team projects a year to help support our ministry.  Please email godshygiene@gmail.com

Lord, I adore you. I worship you today. Praise be to the Lord…
I confess my sins to you... Hear my cry for mercy and forgive my sins.
I will give thanks to you for you are good. Thank you, Lord, for…
Hear my supplication. Today I call on you for help…
Bible in One Year 2020 With Nicky Gumbel, Day 61

Thank you for creating this pencil on mylar artwork for the 7 Day Bible Art Challenge on display at UALC at Mill Run.  Sales of prints will benefit God's Hygiene Help Center.  Contact Terry Starr at godshygieneED@gmail.com to order your desired size of  print.

Praise God!  Terry Starr has accepted the position to be God's Hygiene Executive Director!  She has not only the heart, but extensive administrative skills, and had the vision to realize that GHHC needs a business plan as well as someone as "Driver of the Bus" as God has directed  this ministry to keep growing.  Terry encouraged all the board members to set goals for our nonprofit which are specific, manageable, tangible and time bound.  Most important is to keep searching for a store front in the north Linden community, so the Help Center is no longer located in Tammy's home.  Congratulations and thank you Terry for being willing to step up to lead God's Hygiene in 2020.  If you have ideas to share you can reach Terry at godshygieneED@gmail.com .

Ecclesiastes 11:4, “If you wait for perfect conditions, you will never get anything done” (TLB).

Our hearts went out to Tammy's brother Ross and his wife Julia on Christmas night.  They came home from dinner to find their house on fire.  Evidently it started in the stove whether an old 22 year old stove or a burner.  Thankfully they are covered by homeowners' insurance.  However, Ross was overwhelmed with scammers.  A  restoration team took him for $16,000 to freshen all his clothes and televisions. They left them with no change of clothes.  It was devastating.   They left them with nothing.  Afterwards he realized he could have bought all new clothes and more for $10,000.  

God's Hygiene helped them by giving them 2 towel sets, pajamas, underwear, socks, and more.  It was such a comfort to Julia just to have some basic hygiene items.  Tammy cooked dinner for them for several days.  Julia posted on Facebook: "I should have posted this days ago but we have been overwhelmed with investigators and ambulance chasers and the aftermath of the fire. Thank You Tammy Jewell and Gods Hygiene Help Center. Something as simple as being clean and in fresh jammies was definitely a Godsend."

“Do not withhold good from those who deserve it when it’s in your power to help them” (Proverbs 3:27 NLT).

January 3  morning Tammy had an experience with Jesus.  He said you need to exercise your spirit the same way you exercise your body.  It will give you much joy to become personal and intimate with Jesus.  It will open all doors that need to be opened.  Jesus will command those doors to be open and nothing will shut the doors on us.  Tammy will be protected from any harm.  To begin with, be quiet and be with me 3 times a week then every day.  I am happiness, peace, joy and your rush.
​
​Whetstone Gardens and Care Center is where advisor Harley Bratton spent his last few months.   We recently picked up his portable refrigerator and walker; Ross is so grateful to use this refrigerator while rebuilding his home.   Whetstone's  housing supervisor has given GHHC 16 twin blankets and bedspreads.  We were able to give 2 to a foster parent at IGA for her foster children and 10 to the new Huckleberry House on 11th Avenue. 

The Holy Spirit led Tammy to IGA, not to grocery shop, but to reach out to the deli workers for the their needs in her community.  When Tammy walked into the store, she saw a little woman who looked to be about 90 years old.  She was leaning on her shopping cart afraid to let go and her elderly husband could not hold her up.  Tammy immediately thought about the shiny red walker which had belonged to Harley and went out to retrieve it from "Mercy."  The woman cried when she saw it because she had been praying for help to get around.  Praise that Tammy does hear from the Spirit, listens and obeys.

​Lamentations 3:22-24. The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.”

Last month we worked a lot with The Bed Brigade and Immaculate Conception.  We were able to refer several families to have beds built and delivered with all the linens.  They also received boxes of food and prayer when they had nothing.  Through all of this we know that people will see Jesus' love.

In photo on the left, one of our top officers in the Linden community.  Thank you Officer Alesia Zacher for all that you do to go above and beyond to help the residents.  Sometimes Tammy even rides with the officer  for  wellness checks to senior citizens and others in need.

One night Ann called about a young woman with 5 kids who had been homeless.  This 25 year old has moved into a place at Mt. Vernon Plaza.  She hoped she could get a Clean Start Basket.  God's Hygiene will but we cannot afford to give her 5 sets of new towels.  
​
​Miss My's Hair & NaIl Beauty Salon, 1465 East Livingston Avenue, hosted their 1st Community Giveaway on January 26.  They heard about the good work which God's Hygiene Help Center does.  So they came to Tammy's front door to ask for donations.  Our supporters are so generous giving us lots of sample sizes of shampoo, lotion and more.  GHHC was able to give Miss My a huge bag of those items so they could pack their own Blessing Bags to give out.

A beautiful and blessed "Day of Beauty" on a Sunday for 25 lovely lady survivors of human trafficking.  They are called Butterflies.  The Wild Honeybee Boutique in Worthington had 5 stylists, a makeup artist, massage therapist, photogragher and a group of fabulous friends who helped and donated a delicious lunch spread, coffee, drink station and all kinds of desserts.  They loved on these ladies and let them know how worthy and beautiful they are and how proud we are for all of them graduating from CATCH Court.  
When we heard about the event, Tammy had to personally pack 25 Blessing Bags of hygiene for them.
​Congratulations to these Butterflies! 

And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.  Hebrews 13:16 NIV

When Tammy and Crystal held a resource table at Windsor STEM Academy for Parent Teacher Conferences, they were approached by the principal, counselor and teachers.  "We have a number of special needs children who need coats."  Tammy replied, "God's Hygiene only provides hats, gloves, scarves and socks."  Then Crystal interrupted, "Excuse me, I have the resources to get coats from the Free Store. How many do you need?"  The principal said, "As many as possible but at least 15.   We actually have 3 homeless families living in their cars."  So they offered them resources for housing, hygiene plus blankets, hats and gloves.  On December  9 Crystal and Tammy will be delivering 20 hats and gloves along with 15 warm coats.

The Columbus Police came and picked up more donated coats, 10 pairs of socks, scarves with gloves attached and gave them out to the homeless on the streets. Every week our officer gives out about 6 coats--some are for adults, other ones for children.  God knows what we need and our supporters donate them at the right time. This officer is going and beyond her job--doing wellness checks, online shopping for underprivileged kids in neighborhood, and making sure families have some basic needs met.   One family has 4 beds in one room and won't let us in to see their poor living condition.
​

Thank you for sharing your blessings!  You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.  2 Corinthians 9:11 NIV
​
Tammy was so happy when we saw on the news that a woman was opening a free Community Blessing Store in a small Linden market at the Come & Go Center, 884 Oakland Park.  Diane, Tammy and 2 of her volunteers visited that Monday to congratulate Eliza and donate Harley's clothes to her.  The free store is open Mondays and Wednesdays 12 - 3 pm.  But since another business also uses the same space, Eliza and her husband have to take all the donations back home each time.  
God's Hygiene has been searching for a warehouse in the Linden community.  Even though Tammy has been friends with the store owner for years, it would not work out for God's Hygiene.  (1) We could not give away. hygiene if the store is selling the same items. (2) There is no place to lock up our donated  products.  

Paul Sparks of Embark program, had just returned from a 10 day adventure in Israel.  But he made time to pick up this huge Clean Start Basket for a newly released man, pictured on the right.  God's Hygiene is glad to help people given a 2nd chance.
Robin Lorms called with a special request.  He was helping a mother with 3 children who lives in Circleville.  Even though Tammy had vertigo, she packed a basket for her including stuffed animals for the kids, pots and pans, dishes, silverware and blankets.  The Mom cried when she saw all the gifts.  We are glad to work together with Embark/Kindway be the hands and feet of Jesus.
The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.  Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.  Psalm 9:9-10  (NIV)

This work had been done with the help of our God. Nehemiah 6:16

Thank you for listening when you get a nudge from God to donate something.  A church member asked, "Does Tammy need a Christmas tree?"  I replied, "She has one.  But I'm sure she knows of a family who does need it."  Sure enough.  A family which Officer Alesia and Tammy had helped just a week before was chosen.  When Freddie delivered the tree that week, they cried.  "My kids kept asking for a Christmas tree. I told my kids that I didn't have any money to get a Christmas tree this year.  It's a miracle.  Here you are with a tree for us!  Thank you.
Another family of 8 had absolutely nothing.  God's Hygiene was able to help with basic hygiene items, blankets, and towels.  But they had no food.  Thanks to ICC, we could ask them to deliver an emergency food box.  When they did, they saw no furniture in the home.  ICC has the resources to request furniture for them.  So glad we can work together with other community resources to provide help to those in need.

Thank you to Karen Espe who applied for a Thrivent Action Team project plus recruited 25 families to donate hygiene items.  With the $250 grant from Thrivent and  other donations she was able to collect  7 clothes baskets worth of items.  Thank you so much!  
If you are a Thrivent member, are you aware that you can donate your CHOICE Dollars to God's Hygiene Help Center at no cost to you plus you can apply for two Thrivent Action Team projects a year.  That is how God's Hygiene first started receiving other donations.  Questions?  Contact Diane at godshygiene@gmail.com or 614-329-4661.

Thank you to UALC for donating the Bibles which were previously in the Sanctuary.  On December 22, a volunteer named Mrs. Chambers picked up the remaining 100 Bibles.  Pastor Betty of Oakland Park Apartments is planning to wrap them up and give to neighbor kids for Christmas. What a great idea!   Betty used to pastor a church in her previous city until God told her to move to Columbus.  We feel blessed that we get to be a small part of blessing others.


​Philippians 4:6 | “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”