Donations to our Neighbors In Need campaign during the month of December will appear in a public thank you published in the Courier Herald in the January 29th edition of the Courier Herald (names only, not amounts).

We are so grateful for your donations throughout this campaign.
Thank you so very much.

Story 3 was featured in the December 18th edition of the Courier-Herald.

Wrapped In Warmth and Smiles 

Every fall, we are blessed to do a coat giveaway in partnership with The St. Barbara's Knights of Columbus St. Barbara Council 11736, as well as the Sacred Heart Knights of Columbus. It’s one of the highlights of our year. As we help kids try on coats—zipping them up, pulling the hoods on, and asking, “How does that feel?”—our hearts fill with joy. There’s nothing quite like the look on a child’s face when they find the coat, the one that makes them smile and feel special.

This year, one of those smiles came from Jonathan, an energetic 8-year-old with a gap-toothed grin and a mop of brown hair that kept falling into his eyes. He came in with his mom, who was trying to hold onto his little sister while helping him pick a coat. Jonathan was so excited he could hardly stand still.

After a bit of browsing, he spotted a bright red coat hanging on the rack. “That one!” he exclaimed, pointing. We pulled it down, and he eagerly slipped his arms into the sleeves. It was a little big on him, but we zipped it up and pulled the hood over his head. His whole face lit up as he gave a big toothy grin and spun around. “It’s so warm! And it’s my favorite color!” he said.

His mom laughed and said, “Jonathan, you’re going to be the warmest kid in town!” She gave us a grateful smile, and her eyes glistened as she added, “Thank you so much. This means everything to us.” She finished picking out a coat for little sister and they were on their way. 

Moments like that stay with you. The sound of that zipper and Jonathan’s joyful laughter are what make this work so meaningful. This year, we gave away more than 113 coats to kids like Jonathan. And thanks to the generosity of The Sacred Heart Knights of Columbus and thrift store donors, we’re able to continue wrapping our neighbors both young and old in warmth, as new coats keep coming in.

Every time I hear the sound of a zipper, I think of Jonathan and kids like him—bundled up, smiling, and ready to take on the season.

Blessings, 

Elisha Smith-Marshall 

Story 2 seen below is printed in the Enumclaw Courier-Herald: December 11 2024

Hope Through The Storm

A few weeks ago, our community faced a powerful windstorm. As trees fell, roads were closed, and seemed like a domino of lights turning off across town. Power was out everywhere, and at POM and the Food Bank, we were too. And being the week before Thanksgiving—we stood to lose a lot at our food bank. The shelves and coolers were stocked with turkeys, dairy products, and fresh produce, ready to help families create cherished holiday meals. But without power, all that chilled food—and the hope it represented—was at risk of being lost.

How could we preserve the food our neighbors were counting on? Just as we were preparing to sound the alarm, two local organizations stepped in like heroes. One offered space in their working refrigerators, and another provided a large generator to keep our freezers running. Volunteers quickly came together to transport the food and set up the generator, working tirelessly to protect the Thanksgiving provisions.

Despite our best efforts, we lost a portion of our dairy products. But just as we were grappling with how to restock, a generous community member stepped forward with an incredible offer to replace what we had lost. Thanks to their kindness and the swift action of our partners, families who visited the Food Bank that week never knew the behind-the-scenes challenges. They were greeted with abundance, plenty to go around.

This experience was a humbling reminder of the strength of our community. When the storm hit, neighbors came together to ensure that no one went without. Whether it’s offering storage space, providing critical equipment, or donating to replenish supplies, our community truly embodies what it means to care for one another. It was a reminder that when neighbors come together, there’s nothing we can’t overcome.

Blessings,

Elisha Smith-Marshall

Story 1 below was published in the December 4 Edition of the Courier Herald

Hope In Every Stitch

Samantha walked into More Pennies From Heaven Thrift Store, holding a voucher from Plateau Outreach Ministries. She and her husband, Mark, had recently faced unexpected financial struggles. Mark had been temporarily laid off from his job but managed to find work doing labor for a local company. The new job required heavy-duty clothes, and with colder weather approaching, Samantha was also hoping to find warm clothing for their two young kids.

A friendly volunteer greeted her and asked if she needed any assistance. Samantha explained what she was looking for, and together they went through the racks. They found a couple of durable work jackets and sturdy boots for Mark, as well as warm coats and sweaters for the kids. The volunteer also showed Samantha a section with kitchenware, and she picked out a set of plates and a soup pot, grateful to be able to prepare simple meals at home.

The thrift store wasn’t just a place to shop; it was part of a larger community effort. The volunteer mentioned that the store’s sales supported programs at Plateau Outreach Ministries, helping other local families in need. Hearing this made Samantha feel a sense of connection and relief, knowing that support was there not just for her family but for so many others.

With her bags full of much-needed items, Samantha felt a little lighter. The genuine kindness and practical help she received reminded her that she wasn’t facing her challenges alone. More Pennies From Heaven had made a real difference, offering her family comfort and helping Mark be prepared for his new job. It was a reminder of the strength and care within their community.

We are so grateful every time someone chooses More Pennies From Heaven as a donation site. Thank you for continuing again this year, to help our neighbors in need.  
 
Gratefully,
Elisha Smith-Marshall

Neighbors in Need Article 1 from the Enumclaw Courier-Herald: December 14, 2023