Repurposing old team shirts
We often get asked 'What do I do with old team shirts that I no longer need?' As many of you know we reply that we prefer you NOT to send them to a charity shop but that we collect them in at the office and, when we have a load, they get sent out to Romania.
The shirts are sent to support the work of a charity called the 'Centre of Hope' (God's Love in Action' - GLIA. Click here to go to their website) in Dorohoi, NE Romania. A new load is just starting its journey! It may take a few weeks as they join many other supplies to fill a large container which travels overland to Romania, a journey of many days.
Dorohoi is a very poor area. The shirts will be distributed to those who are in need to help them keep warm through the cold winter months, along with the daily hot meals that the centre provides.
In the last year, the proximity to the Ukraine border has also meant that they have been supporting refugees as they have fled the fighting. One such family wrote “One year and three days ago your church (Centre) gave us refuge. We are very grateful for the respite and gathering of strength that you gave us. "
Another wrote how they had slept for the first time in weeks in silence - no bombs and gunfire.
CoH doesn't just offer social and physical (medical and food) help though. There is regular programme of Bible studies and services at the centre to which everyone is invited with a clear intention to share the gospel. David Baslington, our Administrator, went out a few years ago on a work party and hopes to return again soon. He can attest to the great work that is done. A worthy benefactor of our old, but perfectly suitable shirts.
So if you still have any old shirts that you want rid of, do send them to us at the office address for the next load that will go out next year.