SHUMC’s Neighbor-to Neighbor (N2N) Program provides a helping hand to seniors, the sick, the physically challenged, or persons of limited income by providing a work force willing to complete tasks that are needed but are not likely to be completed by the person seeking assistance due to limited resources and/or capabilities.
During this past year, we completed 31 different projects; sixteen (16) of which were for SHUMC members, 12 for non-SHUMC members, and 3 for the church itself. The level of effort on each project ranged from a few hours spent by a single team member to several days’ work completed by multiple team members. Our more significant projects included: (1) the building of two (2) wheelchair access ramps for handicapped individuals; (2) the remodeling of a bathroom for a handicapped individual such that he can gain access to his toilet, and (3) the deep cleaning of the community soup kitchen located at Switch Point. A total of 595 volunteer hours were expended, and 2,963 miles were driven in the completion of these projects. N2N Program donated a total of $205.74 for materials for those homeowners who could not afford to pay for them.
This year our Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/groups/2136063326510456) went public, and we currently have 31 members and/or followers. Due to the COVID crisis, we included a form on our website (https://shumcstgeorge.com/n2n/) to request volunteers to perform various errands, such as pick-up and delivery of groceries and/or pharmaceuticals to shut-ins. Plans in 2021 include establishing a phone number and a text message system to funnel requests for our support to a central spread sheet which we continually monitor.
We continued to expand our program community wide by including members from other churches (New Promise Lutheran Church) who attended our meetings and participated in our projects. We collaborated with community healthcare professionals and social workers who provided us with referrals. We also collaborated with local retailers who provided materials for our projects at discounted prices. We will continue to expand and develop our capabilities to maximized the positive impact of our services on the community.
2020 was a very busy year for the N2N Program. By contributing their time, talent, and treasures, N2N volunteers continued to bring Christian love and service to those in need in our local community.