Patchwork has been open this week to kick off 2024, and we were already busy!
In the kitchen, our Hospitality volunteers were busy greeting our regulars with hot coffee and catching up on everyone’s Christmas and New Years activities. Thanks to the holidays, we had some extra treats to serve our guests including Christmas cookies, fresh donuts, and ham. It was good to see everyone again. We received donations of hats, gloves, and hand warmers before Christmas, and this week we had many grateful folks choose something from this collection before heading back out into the cold.
In the Bike Shop, the volunteers have been busy refurbishing bikes. They’ve got a good stock of them built up, so they set the next bike giveaway date: January 23. The giveaway will start around 8:30 am and is first come, first served. To continue to build their stock of bikes to give away, the Bike Shop volunteers would welcome additional bike donations. Bikes should be sized for adults (no kids bikes) and be in decent shape (no “parts” bikes). If you have a bike to donate, please bring it to Patchwork (100 Washington Ave, Evansville) Monday-Thursday, 9:00 am-Noon.
In the food pantry, we were busy helping folks restock after a Christmas break with kids or grandkids home from school or other family around for a visit. Thanks to many generous donations, our food pantry began the year well-stocked, but we anticipate that need will remain high.
And our Sozo Health Ministry team was already busy checking in with regular clients, distributing cough drops and other over-the-counter remedies, checking bumps and bruises received in the time we were closed, and monitoring blood pressures. This morning John and Katie are at Central Library providing health information and outreach during their regular “First Fridays with Patchwork.”
The only activity not in session this week was the Arts & Smarts Program, however the staff were here busily planning the spring semester. Afterschool activities will resume next week on Monday, January 8.
Into 2024
