Lake Region—When a call went out to community churches, soliciting their help for Helping Hands of Cass County, eight local churches responded. One of the churches responding was Faith Seventh-day Adventist Church of Dowagiac, Mich. Faith's members worked alongside other Christians to help Mary Toppy, new coordinator at Helping Hands, sort and price items. "With our ministry, we are blessed to receive clothing and household donations at least three days a week, and volunteers are always needed five days a week to sort and price it all," she remarked.

Helping Hands, a local crisis and thrift store ministry in downtown Cassopolis, Mich., meets the needs of Cass County residents through a low-cost thrift store, an emergency food pantry, medicine/medical equipment assistance, and transportation.

Greg Buchner, Wakelee United Methodist Church pastor, organized the event for his church members during their SOUP-er Bowl Weekend. He stated, "Our goal was to get as many people there as possible. We invited all the churches in Cass County because there is a great need in Cass County and Helping Hands helps in meeting that need. When we help those who help others, then we serve our community as we live out our faith. That's why we're here!"

Dowagiac Daily News, February 17, 2005.