First Christian opens The Giving Tree
SKYE POURNAZARI/THE FORUM
Karla Parman prepares to cut a Greater Maryville Chamber of Commerce ribbon held by Pastor Gina Johnson and Guy Ebersole on Wednesday, June 26. The group celebrated the opening of a new ministry, The Giving Tree, at the First Christian Church, located on the corner of Third and Buchanan streets.
MARYVILLE, Mo. — Last week, First Christian Church congregation members celebrated with the Greater Maryville Chamber of Commerce the opening of The Giving Tree.
Starting from an idea shared during the Maryville Citizens for Community Action group’s annual luncheon, The Giving Tree, located in the basement of the First Christian Church, is a storehouse for household items that may be of use to people in need.
“It was brought to our attention that Nodaway County does not have a ministry like The Giving Tree,” First Christian Church Pastor Gina Johnson said. “And that there are multiple people out there who are going through different transitions in life.”
The Giving Tree’s mission is “to spread love, compassion and generosity by providing furniture and household goods to those in need through items and monetary donations. Together, we strive to create a community where everyone has a comfortable and welcoming home.”
The church will provide furniture like beds and other household items to people whether they’re starting out new, are a college student, have experienced a tragedy and are in need, or are “a homeless person who’s finally found a home (and) they need help getting on their feet,” Johnson said.
She said the church will not require people to divulge income or past history to receive items.
“We’re here to hold space for them and to help them get on their feet so they can move toward a better tomorrow,” Johnson said. “We know that partnering with the community, the other organizations that are out here are how we can be better together, how we can lock arms and make Maryville and Nodaway County more of that place where people look and say, ‘That’s what I call community. That’s a place that I wanna make my home.’”
Chamber Executive Director Becky Albrecht told the group that it’s validating for the chamber, which organizes the MCCA annual meeting, to have an idea brought up and then see someone act upon it and achieve it.
“Kudos to you guys for making that happen,” she said. “We’re very appreciative.”
If interested in donating or in need of items, call 660-214-3414 or visit the website fccthegivingtree.org to set up an appointment.
