Pick 7 – Changing Mindsets & Changing Lives at St. Matthias Church by Lisa J. & Words on Tap
They say changing your mindset, can change your response, your actions or even your path in this life. However, while they say this, sometimes it’s difficult to gauge the accuracy of that statement. This is, until you analyze the facts that surround the outreach ministry that is Pick 7 at St Matthias Church. The brainchild of Jackie Gentry, Pastoral Associate and friend to many at St, Matthias, Pick 7 not only gives back to those in need, but statistically demonstrates how mindset can change the game, and change lives.
When Jackie came to St. Matthias she knew she wanted to introduce an outreach ministry to the parish community. She also knew that an outreach program had its challenges, but she was willing to take them on with a positive attitude. Using the traditional food pantry structure at first, where the church would collect food and paper products for those in need who lived in Crown Point, those challenges mounted, and she soon realized it was time for a new way. After a collaboration of ideas and smoothing out a few quirks, Pick 7 was born and not only has it been incredibly successful, the number of those who benefit continues to grow.
So, what makes Pick 7 different? It all begins with mindset. If you change the mindset of those who are in need to understand this ministry is judgment free, then you change the mindset of those who volunteer and who donate, and the experience turns to a more positive light. Pick 7 is not location specific and serves all communities, so there is no need to prove address or income. The order of shopping is done as a lottery and identities are kept anonymous by randomly grouping families under the name of a Saint. Each family member receives 7 items, no matter the item and every family receives a package of toilet paper in addition to their 7 items. Above and beyond the food/household pantry, St Matthias provides medical screening where anyone can see a registered nurse. They also provide a table filled with free books that give each person interested a chance to find out what St. Matthias is all about.
By adjusting the mindset and a few details of the traditional food pantry, Jackie and her amazing team of volunteers have been able to provide hundreds with needed food and paper products 6-7 times a year. This past January, that number was approximately 340 and, as the words gets out, the numbers continue to grow and so do the donations. Speaking of donations, with the success of Pick 7, there is always a need, specifically for items not covered by the SNAP program, including personal hygiene products such as soap, shampoo, deodorant, cleaning products, laundry detergent, baby supplies such as diapers and wipes.
Mindset, big hearts, a generous community and the drive to give back to those in need has made Pick 7 a success beyond words! Thank you, Jackie and team, for extending your kindness and love to all who know you and all who know Pick 7. You are more appreciated than you may ever understand!
Interested in donating? You can bring items to the Donut Dash, February 5th , 7:30/8 am at St. Matthias, which will be supporting Pick 7. Or, if you can’t make the race, items can be brought to the parish office or, if a monetary donation is what you prefer, please mark your donation Pick 7 and Jackie & Co. will make sure the funds are put toward this ministry. Thank you in advance from Hometown Happenings!!