Sean and Camille (Fitzpatrick) Markey recently sent us a generous donation accompanied by a picture and wonderful story. They came to My Brother’s Keeper in January 1999 to participate in our Urban Plunge retreat. Though both attended the University of Notre Dame, they had never met before that weekend. Sean and Camille became friends through their gift of service, began …
Daily Meditation
It is more blessed to give than to receive. (Acts 20:35)
Now I Know
I went on deliveries with Jackie and Saira, two employees from Reebok who spent a corporate volunteer day at My Brother’s Keeper. Together we headed to Bridgewater to help John, a 60-year old man living alone who needed a kitchen table and chairs, a dresser, nightstand, TV table, end tables, dishes and pots and pans. John was waiting for us …
Next Generation of Leaders
Left to right: Joyce Donadio, Jim Orcutt, Erich Miller, Terry Orcutt, Brian Concannon and Deacon Dan Sullivan In September 2011, the next generation of leaders will be appointed by the Board of Directors to carry on Christ’s work at My Brother’s Keeper. Acting on a motion put forth by co-founders Jim and Terry Orcutt and board chair Deacon Dan Sullivan, …
Teen Gifts
Many Christmas assistance programs only serve kids 12 years or younger but My Brother’s Keeper values the whole family, adults and teenagers too. If you’ve ever wrapped gifts at My Brother’s Keeper, though, you know how hard it can be to find good gifts for teens. Understandably, most supporters think of young children first. To do a better job, dedicated …
Non Perishable Food
The My Brother’s Keeper Food Assistance Program has grown 22% over the past 4 years but our donations of non perishable food haven’t kept pace. Our costs are up 30% due to increased need during the recession and higher food prices. Here’s our “Top 10 List” of the items we frequently purchase because they are always in short supply: peanut …
My Brother's Keeper 'Christmas Gift Crafters'
The Christmas program at My Brother’s Keeper has become a year-round project, with many volunteers working hard even during the summer months to provide special gifts for mothers and teens, an area where we’re always short. For years, ladies like Mary Belanger, Debbie Barry, Kathy Jones, Mary Lou Jackson, Patti Stokinger, Ann Marie Gill, Diane Dias and Sue Male have …
Furnishing Hope
Let me tell you about a night 22 years ago that changed our lives. Our kids were grown and out of the house and my wife, Terry, and I were glad they were doing well. Both of us had good jobs, but ever since a church retreat, we’d been asking ourselves if there was something more we were called to …
“Christ-incidence”
The families we serve often carry very heavy baggage, just beneath the surface. This sad truth was illustrated perfectly during a recent delivery to a woman named Tanya, whose only piece of furniture was a mattress lying on the floor. As I ran through the long list of the items we were delivering, she stopped me. “You brought a bookshelf?” …
Profound Encounters with God
A few recent experiences reminded me how special our mission is: A volunteer named Dan brought his 2-year old son for a visit. On the way over to My Brother’s Keeper, he told his little boy, “I want to show you where I met God.” A volunteer named Kathy was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer a year ago and believes she’s …