His Harvest Stand

Thought for the Day--

2011-11-29T14:29:00.001-06:00

"If we just give God the little that we have, we can trust Him to make it go around.”
—Gloria Gaither

From the Executive Director's Desk--

2011-11-29T14:28:00.000-06:00

It’s hard to believe that another year has come and gone—and here we are looking forward to Thanksgiving, and our turkey dinners! For many in our community—a turkey or other ingredients for a nice dinner are totally out of their reach, and out of their budgets.

This community has always been known for it’s generosity—no matter what the needs are. From earthquakes in other parts of the world or floods or tornado damage in our own country, West Michigan is generous. A ministry such as ours relies on the Christian community to help supply the daily needs of those who could be our own family, friends, or neighbors.

Since the economic downturn, job losses and unemployment benefits that have run out, have played a big part in how busy our food pantry has been. We have not seen a decrease in the number of people who visit our pantry in the past several years. Our annual holiday food drive is a constant tool to refresh and restock our dwindling shelves. Every month, we have to purchase items to keep a well rounded supply of food and perishable items. PLEASE help us this year by participating in the THANKSGIVING FOOD drive at your church! We need YOU!

Pantry News: We are So Blessed!--

2011-11-29T14:27:00.000-06:00

We are blessed with such a generous community—so we want to be a blessing to others! Just recently, a home school group called “Difference” brought us a load of groceries, and we receive gifts from many more caring school/church groups and organizations!

As we welcome clients into our pantry to receive these blessings—we also have the opportunity to share the “Good News” with them through various ways.

If your group would like a tour of our facilities, or you need a speaker to share about our ministry, please give Paul a call at 616.748.6003 Ext. 1

Ongoing Pantry Needs--

2011-11-29T14:25:00.002-06:00

Ongoing Pantry Needs:
Bar Soap, Cereal, Paper Towels, Cleaning Supplies, Dish Soap, Pancake Mix & Syrup, Grape Jelly, Spaghettios, Laundry Detergent, Sugar, Tuna/in water, Ketchup

Pantry Stats--

2011-11-29T14:24:00.000-06:00

The Pantry is
always busy!
Families served:
May 336
June 306
July 273
August 339
September 293

Thank You to Home Repair--

2011-11-29T14:23:00.000-06:00

“I would like to personally thank you on behalf of the entire Dekraker family for constructing the wheelchair ramp. It means a lot that His Harvest Stand took the time to come out and make the needed modifications, and construct a high quality ramp. It has allowed me to become more independent, and able to leave the house whenever I want to, without needing the help of my parents. Once again, thanks for your compassion and your drive to help families in need. Words cannot express my gratitude!”
Sincerely,
Tyler Dekraker

Memorial Gifts--

2011-11-29T14:22:00.000-06:00

Memorial gifts in memory of Hazel Nagelkirk and Paul Vander Ploeg have been received. Thanks to the families for designating gifts to His Harvest Stand. These gifts are really appreciated.

Thanks to Apple Valley and Panera Bread--

2011-11-29T14:21:00.002-06:00

Our clients really enjoy the weekly donations from APPLE VALLEY NATURAL FOODS and PANERA BREAD! The cookies, sweet rolls, and breads are a fabulous addition to our shelves!

THANKS
to both of these businesses for their faithful donations to our pantry!

News from The Community Foundation: Holland/Zeeland Area--

2011-11-29T14:16:00.002-06:00

There have been recent changes to the MI Tax Code which apply to charitable giving. Through the end of this year, individual donors to an endowed fund may continue to claim a 50% tax credit for a gift up to $200 against the taxes they owe on their state income tax. Likewise—couples may claim the 50% credit for gifts up to $400; and qualified businesses for gifts up to $10,000.

Filers may claim a tax credit for gifts to endowed funds at community foundations in addition to a tax credit for homeless shelters and food banks; as well as state universities, public libraries and public broadcasting. However, all three state of Michigan Tax Credits for charitable gifts are ending as of December 31, 2011.

What this means is that donor gifts to an endowed fund at the Community Foundation continue to qualify for the MI Tax Credit THIS year, but as of January 1, 2012—that will no longer be the case! Your gift before December 31, 2011 to our endowed fund at the Community Foundation/Holland Zeeland Area will allow you that 50% credit on your tax filing.

OUR NEED FOR SUSTAINING MEMBERSHIP--

2011-02-16T14:05:00.001-06:00

His Harvest Stand is growing rapidly! In November, 2010 we served 402 families—one of our largest ever at the pantry! New families using our services have reached record numbers. We need to have the support of the community to keep up with this need. You can help us by becoming a Sustaining Member through prayer, food, and financial donations on a monthly basis. In the food donation area, we are looking for people to commit to giving a bag of groceries each month. We are also looking for help in the Home Repair Ministry with monthly money for lumber, and/or gift card donations.

If you have any questions about Sustaining Membership, feel free to contact Paul Scholten, Executive Director at 616.748.6003 Ext. #1.
We are a 501©3 Charitable Non-Profit Agency.

ADOPT A RAMP--

2011-02-16T14:01:00.003-06:00

Churches, organizations, families …do you want to help a disabled person with a ramp so they can get out of their home and into the community? The Home Repair Ministry of His Harvest Stand could use funds for ramps! If you would like to ‘adopt’ a ramp project (approximately $1000-$1200) give us a call! 616.748.6003 Ext. #2 … we provide the labor!

Building Eternity into Hearts and Homes

2010-10-12T14:35:00.000-05:00

Any one who hears and obeys these teachings of mine is like a wise person who built a house on solid rock. Rain poured down, rivers flooded, and winds beat against that house. But it did not fall because it was built on a solid rock.” — Matthew 7:24-25

Is your house built on the rock of Christ Jesus? If you would like more information about having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ please contact us. Our contact information is on this blog.

Our Desire ...

2010-10-10T13:57:00.000-05:00

Our desire is to express God’s abundant goodness to all we serve. Sharing the love and compassion of Jesus is our passion. Prayer with families is an integral part of our ministry. We desire to build meaningful and lasting relationships with all families, guiding them to involvement in area churches, and saving faith in Jesus Christ our Lord. Therefore, We will serve any family needing clothing, furniture, household items, and home repair. Food distribution requires residence within certain geographical boundaries.

Current Volunteer Opportunities

2010-03-15T08:40:00.001-05:00

Pantry / Front Desk / Furniture Pick up and Delivery