Plainview Methodist Church and its partner, San Juan United Methodist Church, have been collecting donations for some time.
They have obtained items from estate sales including used furniture, beautiful china and electronics, and other household goods. This weekend they will be hosting a large garage sale in hopes of raising funds to add another to their list of relief programs.
“We’re working with San Juan Methodist to run our food bank and clothing pantry, and we’d like to open a soup kitchen,” said Outreach Committee Chair Judy Wiggins, a Methodist from Plainview. “We’re hoping to open the first soup kitchen on the second Saturday in September (the same time as the food bank and clothing pantry distribution), and if it goes well, we can do it more often.”
The cooperation between both locations has been in place for several years.
“Pastor Inakias Lopez (of San Juan United Methodist) allows us to house items at his church, and it’s in a great area that many can walk to. We host the food pantry and clothing closet every second Saturday of the month from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.,” Wiggins said. “The soup kitchen will be open at the same time, and we plan to have posole soup with all the trimmings.”
Of course, the more money they raise, the more they can give back.
“We are constantly in need of clothing racks and food for the pantry,” Wiggins said. “We don’t ask questions; if you need it, we’ll give it to you.”
It’s a win-win situation for the church and the community. Wiggins said nothing at the sale will cost more than $10, which means some excellent deals.
“We have some of the most beautiful crystal you’ve ever seen. There are toys, kitchen utensils, hair curlers, two antique chairs for the dining room and all the electrical appliances are plugged in and working perfectly. We have bookshelves, computer monitors and living room furniture,” Wiggins said.
The garage sale will be held Aug. 30 and 31 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at San Juan United Methodist Church, 412 E. 4th St., Plainview, or until items sell out on the 31st. For more information on the two churches, visit https://plainviewmethodist.church/ and https://www.umc.org.
