Outreach

 

The Gift of Warm Clothing

Our Gift of Warm Clothing (GOWC)  ministry started in 2006 has evolved into a year-around effort that primarily serves neighbors in need in Polk County. GOWC also has served a few families in Barron & Burnett Counties as well as some out of state BLLC friends and family members.

GOWC team members coordinate the many phases of this project. This includes the donation of time, energy, talents of many volunteers plus acquiring gently used or new clothing from our generous congregation and extended community. GOWC helps make it possible for children to safely go to school and outdoors for recess by helping provide boots, jackets, snow plants, hats, scarves, and mittens for them. GOWC acquires, either by purchase or donation, new and gently used winter outer-wear and boots. We then distribute it and get it into the hands of those who need it. We shop, sort, launder, mend, put in zippers, sew on patches, sort, organize, pack & un-pack, inventory, distribute, and fill orders/requests. This represents hundreds and hundreds of hours of fun, rewarding work. Each year we make a difference in the lives of over 300 individuals with a “Gift of Warm Clothing”.

Our first distribution is in October at the church. We also distribute out of our “GOWC Warehouse” by referrals and requests received from area schools/counselors,  Serenity House, CRA Shelter, Head Start Programs, Day Care Programs & Homes; WIC, Polk County Social Services, Red Cross, area pastors, individuals, and our own congregation members.  Referrals take place throughout the year.

Bone Lake Lutheran Church Endowment Fund 

Application for Bone Lake Foundation Scholarship

Other Outreach Programs at Bone Lake Lutheran

Throughout the year we do many other community and global outreach programs.  These include:

  • Collecting food for Loaves and Fishes, our community food pantry.
  • Collecting paper products and towels for Serenity Home (local homeless shelter) and Community Referral Agency (local women’s shelter).
  • Making and filling over 60 school bags with school supplies, hygiene kits, and sewing kits for Lutheran World Relief.
  • Our Quilters make over 100 quilts a year for Lutheran World Relief, plus more quilts for fire victims, and baby quilts for baptisms.
  • We have a Prayer Shawl Ministry.  Prayer shawls are knit or crocheted and given to people who are experiencing a difficult time in life.
  • Collecting toys and clothes for Operation Christmas (Polk County).