WINONA LAKE – Winona Lake Free Methodist Church is sponsoring its Day Of Helping again this summer so its members can be the “hands and feet of Jesus.” The third annual event will be from 1 to 4 p.m. July 18 at the church, 902 College Ave., Winona Lake. “There will be haircuts, manicures, family pictures, some canned goods provided, popcorn, hotdogs, water ... provided. A bounce house for the kids, budget advice from a local banker; there will be some sewing, some instruction on how to do some basic sewing like buttons,” said organizer Rick Swaim. “Also, there will be a community service opportunity for them. They will have the opportunity to write notes to veterans that will go out on a postcard,” he continued. Combined Community Services, The Salvation Army and Our Father’s House received flyers on the event and have helped promote it. The Day of Helping is for “anyone who is in need, especially if they are a client of CCS, Salvation Army or Our Father’s House, those are our three target groups, of course. But if anyone comes in and says they’re in need of food, we’re not going to turn anyone away,” Swaim said. In the first year of the free event, the church served about 70 to 80 families. Since they served about the same number last year, Swaim said they were looking to serve about 80 families again this year. Winona Lake Grace Brethren Church does a Day of Helping every year around Christmas time. The Free Methodist Church copied what they’ve done but decided to do it in the summer. The genesis of the program was Brandon Hatmaker’s book “The Barefoot Church.” Swaim said Owens east in Warsaw donated the water for this year’s Day of Helping and canned food goods also were purchased from Owens. If anyone wants to donate or help with the Day of Helping, Swaim said they should contact WLFMC at 574-267-7260.
