Summer Forum Highlights Work of American Rescue Workers

On Sunday, July 19, 2009, St. Marks was pleased to welcome Lt. Linda Tokay of the American Rescue Workers to a summer forum, held during the Sunday School hour. Those who heard the presentation received news that was both disturbing and uplifting - disturbing in that there are so many poor in our community who are in need of basic necessities of life - uplifting to hear the many ways that the Rescue Workers strive to help those in need.

American Rescue Workers is a scripture based organization. It relies on private charity, grants from foundations, government funding, and sales of used clothing and other items that are donated to the organization. The Rescue Workers have become very creative in finding ways to reuse other's discarded and broken furniture, computers and other household items, to donate to the poor or to sell for funds to support its services. Even torn or stained clothing is used - clothing that cannot be worn is bundled and sold as rags.

Services provided by the American Rescue Workers in the Williamsport area are almost too numerous and diverse to list. A 25 bed men's section provides a work program for men in need. There is a transient center for 7. Emergency grocery orders and emergency requests for household items and clothing are handled weekly. Fire and flood victims, folks in transition from the criminal system, people evicted from homes all are helped. Transportation and prescription services are offered. Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners are offered. At Christmas, over 800 Christmas baskets, with food and toys for children, are given to the needy.

Recently, a youth group was formed to try to reach troubled children. This year, 46 kids were able to go to camp with the group. 

How can St. Mark's help? We need to continue to assist where we have in the past - donating items for Christmas baskets and household items. Also, volunteers are always needed in the Thrift Store, for sorting and with youth groups.