Sharing Connections Furniture Bank recognizes St. Joan of Arc Church in Lisle for their 10th anniversary of donating buckets full of cleaning supplies. In particular, Frank Keller and the SJA Social Justice & Peace Ministry have coordinated the Bucket Brigade for ten years.
Leeanne McGrath, founder of SCFB, suggested the concept of a bucket brigade ten years ago, and deacon Joe Dalpiaz at SJA supported the idea. When asked why he has continued coordinating the ministry for ten years, Frank explains, “It’s such a good thing. I know the need is out there. It’s a different involvement than asking for money. When you fill the bucket, you think of the person receiving it. It’s a connection.”
The buckets are obtained below cost from Weldon Hardware Supply store in Lisle. They are distributed after Masses on a weekend, and parishioners fill the buckets with cleaning supplies and return them the following week. Buckets are then distributed to Sharing Connections Furniture Bank, the People’s Resource Center, FISH, and the Lisle Township Food Pantry. Frank says, “When I tell the agencies that the buckets are coming, the contact person is always excited. They know the buckets will go quickly, and they know that people appreciate them.”
Frank reports that he was assisted by cub scouts, boy scouts, and five adults. The picture (to the right-top) is of Frank and his wife, Jan, at St. Joan of Arc. This year, SCFB received 153 buckets. The picture (to the right-bottom) shows some of the buckets at the SCFB warehouse. The low-income families that receive the buckets are always grateful. One client said, “When I came to Sharing Connections, I was so thankful that I could get some furniture. When they started giving me all the other things, like cleaning products, a microwave, and lamps, I was overwhelmed.”
Sharing Connections is grateful to St. Joan of Arc Church and to all the groups and individuals that provide special projects. |
