Donation Corner: MUST Ministries

For several years since moving to Atlanta, I've passed by a small building bearing the word "MUST" on my way to hike Kennesaw Mountain on a weekly basis. Until this last year I really didn't know what their 'business' was, though I always suspected a connection to a church based on the structure of the church-like house. Now that I've seen the work being done by MUST Ministries, both in connection with my church and through various publications regarding their good deeds, I think they are very worthy of their own spotlight this month.

On a quick side note, a few months back, a MUST representative came and spoke briefly at CCC, informing the congregation of their most recent goals and accomplishments. While he spoke he also mentioned something I think most of us know, but tend to forget: everyone wants to donate during the holidays, but after the new year, many charities and non-profit organizations hit a dry-spell where monetary, food, and material donations are scarce. PLEASE remember this when you think about donating, whether it be to this organization or another.

For 31 years, MUST has been dedicated to providing services to people in need. Their volunteers offer food, clothes and shelter to thousands of people each month. The little building I often pass is The Loaves and Fishes Community Kitchen. Volunteers there prepare and serve breakfast, lunch and dinner every day of the year. In a typical year, MUST helps 91,841 people with emergency groceries and baked goods; 38,223 with free clothing; 2,410 with job assistance; 5,676 children with clothes, school supplies and gifts; 2,326 people with emergency and transitional housing; serves 67,147 hot meals and provides access to medical care for hundreds of people. Almost two thirds of MUST's budget comes from donations.