Mount Pleasant Magazine Nov/Dec 2016

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gather Valentines and distribute them
at the Ralph H. Johnson Veterans
Administration Medical Center. More
importantly, they spend time with the
heroes who have served our country.
We enjoyed getting to learn about
these three youth ministries and
anticipate the positive lasting effects
these programs will have in the East
Cooper community.
Mount Pleasant
Presbyterian ChurCh
You may have seen posters or fliers
around East Cooper highlighting the
Hands of Christ Ministry, while those
who truly need help may have received
an invitation from their public school.
Hosted and operated through
church youth volunteers at Mount
Pleasant Presbyterian Church, the
Hands of Christ Ministry provides
school uniforms and supplies for
children in grades 4K through the 8th
grade. The shoppers, middle and high
school students participating through
the church, are paired with a child so
they can find the uniforms that fit best.
“The Hands of Christ Ministry
starts in July with the youth ministry
gathering donations,” explained Chris
Sarkowski, director of School Minis-
tries at Mount Pleasant Presbyterian
Church. “Our youth members are all
over the place to make this happen.
Then, with the assistance of some
congregation members, the youth are
paired with children. This year, we
served about 185 children in the East
Cooper area.”
Each student receives two shirts and
two pair each of pants, underwear and
socks. Those who are already receiving
free or reduced lunch are notified at
the end of the school year that they are
qualified to come out on the designat-
ed day for shopping. Others may find
out about the event through word-of-
mouth or the posters and fliers placed
around the community.
“By linking the shopper and stu-
dent, it starts a relationship, and the
child meets someone who truly cares
75 | |
MPPC teen Christina Lee with a young
recipient during the Hands of Christ
ministry.
Photo courtesy of Mount Pleasant Presbyterian Church.
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