Zion Lutheran helps families in need
Zion Lutheran Church, of Manawa, recently donated over 2,000 diapers to the Waupaca County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).
The diapers and other items donated by the Zion congregation will be provided to the families served by the DHHS.
“On behalf of those we serve, DHHS expresses appreciation to the community for its thoughtfulness and generosity,” said Ashleigh Ferg, of Waupaca County DHHS. “What a wonderful way to share the spirit of Christmas.”
The process began when Rev. Tom Theama, of Zion Lutheran, visited DHHS in late October to deliver a bucket full of various donated items.
During the visit, he asked Lori Chesnut, of DHHS Children & Family Services, if there was a need for any certain specific items.
Chesnut talked about some of the common needs of families the agency works with and the struggles they have affording items like diapers for young children.
Theama took Chesnut’s response back to his congregation in Manawa. Within less than four hours, there was a sign in front of the church requesting diaper donations.
Theama later posted the message on his personal Facebook page. By the next Sunday, there were already several cases of diapers collected at the church.
The donations of diapers, baby wipes and money came from area church members and community members as well.
A monetary donation was given by the “Truck Driver,” a man who drives a semi-truck though Manawa frequently. Over the years this man has stopped and made donations to the church many times.
According to Theama, any time the church is collecting food for a food drive, the “Truck Driver,” later known as Richard, unexpectedly drops off several bags of food items. He has helped the church and the community in many ways.