Helping Hands

Helping The Flat Rock Community For Over 30 Years And Counting

Community Lutheran Church started the ministry of Helping Hands in 1991 when we “adopted” four families for Christmas.  Not long after, Pastor Dave gave us a large closet in the Education Wing to use for our storage.  By 2004, we had taken the entire Education Wing for our Helping Hands Ministry.  In 2010, we provided a wonderful and joyous Christmas for over 120 families, and we currently serve over 500 families totally in the area.

Since the closing of the Flat Rock Food Depot at St. Vincent DePaul in May, 1999, our Helping Hands Ministry is the only food depot for our area. We receive many food referrals from local service organizations, such as FIA, Wayne Metro, St. Vincent de Paul, Social Services and many other local churches.
 
Some of the services Helping Hands provides are as follows:
  1. Emergency food boxes including meat & bread are given out weekly.
  1. Hygienic products (toothpaste, shampoo, soap, deodorant, toilet paper, diapers, etc.)
  1. Clothing & shoes (including coats, boots, hats & mittens) for men, women & children.
  1. Furniture & household items when available.
  1. Shopping assistance to 100 children in August for school clothes.
  1. Holiday food baskets for Christmas.
  1. Christmas assistance for families; Santa’s Toy Shop, for parents, stockings, candy, gifts, and food.
  1. Working women’s clothing for those re-entering the workforce.
  1. Spiritual support services
 

I, along with our team of volunteer servants, work every Wednesday from 9 a.m.- 1:00p.m. and we always welcome visitors to tour our site.   We sincerely appreciate any interest in helping those less fortunate, as it is only through the help of caring people and  other organizations that we can hope to meet the needs of the many families who find themselves in desperate situations.  May the Lord bless all those caring  people who contribute to this ministry as we all try to do His will and help one another.

Serving Christ With you,

Judith Watkins, Helping Hands Coordinator


What Is Helping Hands?

Helping Hands is Community’s main way of pouring out into our neighborhoods. We serve primarily as a food pantry, but serve additionally to connect Flat Rock residents to services they need along with a few special drives throughout the year including: Christmas presents, Christmas dinner, Thanksgiving turkeys, along with other awesome opportuniites.

 

Helping The Flat Rock Community For Over 30 Years And Counting!

Who Supports Helping Hands?

Some of our main contributors are:

  • St. Rochs Church
  • 1st United Methodist Church
  • First Congregational UCC
  • St Marks Church
  • Community Lutheran Church
  • St Pauls Church
  • Flat Rock School District
  • Local Businesses
  • Private Residents of Flat Rock
  • Detroit Lions

 

Helping Hands Christmas 2020

This year marks the 31st year Helping Hands will be providing assistance to the Flat Rock Community. We are honored to be among those who hear there is a need and meet them. I’d like to introduce you to Judith, who founded the Helping Hands Ministry and continues to head the operation today.
Helping Hands was started when she heard of just 4 families in need during the holiday season. She was inspired to continue to help the community when she had a revelation— what happens when the holidays are over, people still need help?
 
Back then, it was called the “Mercy Ministry” and was compiled of a group of “mercy minded’ people, the helpers.
 
“If you grew up with needs you understood what it meant and so attracted many within the church and community to pitch in and push our cause further. It’s humbling to have to ask for food, so to understand that position, it’s a blessing to give. It’s a passion for everyone who helps, not just me.”
The current situation with the pandemic has changed the entire routine for the Helping Hands Food Pantry. They are unable to hand out necessary items such as clothing or getting as many food donations through drives within the schools, and are working with a limited crew.
 
“It has been trying times.”
 
 
 
 
 
Although they have faced many challenges this year, Helping Hands has provided food and gift cards for gifts to approximately 150 families within the Flat Rock community this year.
 
“We have been blessed amazingly this season by those who donated”
 
Helping Hands is always in need of non-perishable food donations. If you can donate, please reach out to Judith at Community Lutheran Church 734-782-0563 and leave a message.

Contact Us

We are Located at 23984 Gibraltar Rd, Flat Rock, MI 48134 and operate out of the far left set of doors in the main building. 

For questions or assistance please call (734) 782-0563

Helping Hands is open every Wednesday from 9:00am to 1:00pm and is only available to Flat rock Residents because of the great need in the area.

We are currently in need of food donations. Please drop items off at the West Entrance (far left entrance of the church building) in front of the doors during operating hours. If you cannot drop off during operating hours please call the church office to schedule a drop off time to make sure your donation does not sit outside and spoil. Thank you for your kindness.

If you are interested in volunteering and helping with Helping Hands, please contact the church office at 734-782-0563. Thank you!

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Community Lutheran Church

23984 Gibraltar Rd

Flat Rock, MI 48134

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• M - Th from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm
• 734-782-0563
• office@clcflatrock.com