Reduce, reuse, recycle – more than just a slogan!

Most dictionaries define stewardship using words like careful and responsible. As a non-profit ministry celebrating 120 years of service, Messiah Lifeways tries to exercise good stewardship in all areas. Recently, this has been especially true in terms of how we handle physical property. A series of renovations at Messiah Village meant that many good quality pieces of furniture were available to share. Here’s a quick glimpse at how we have been privileged to bless the community:

Branch Creek Place: A Senior Center & More, Shippensburg

• Nearly 200 pieces of furniture and artwork from Messiah Village went to Branch Creek Place to help them decorate their newly renovated location on Fayette Street. Ceiling tiles, toilets, sofas, chairs, tables, computer desks, lamps and much more was loaded up and delivered to Shippensburg to help members get up and running and feel right at home.

Mechanicsburg Place: A Senior Center & More, 97 W. Portland Street, Mechanicsburg

• This center has also enjoyed a makeover thanks to state grants and donated items from the Messiah Village campus. Director Mary Alice Willard shares, “I am so grateful to Messiah Lifeways for helping to make Mechanicsburg Place feel more welcoming by supplying us with “repurposed” treasures. We have been blessed recipients of a railing for our new patio, cupboards for our kitchen, and furniture for our dining and card playing areas.”

Operation Wildcat, Mechanicsburg Area School District

• Just before Christmas, 3-4 truckloads of donations were given to a community organization devoted to helping families in need. According to an Operation Wildcat spokesperson, “Many members of our local community have benefited from Messiah Lifeways’ generous donations, including beds, chairs, desks and lamps.  Children who did not have beds to sleep on now have somewhere soft and warm to rest. A family who had been homeless received a like-new leather chair.” As one of the top tax-paying entities in the district, Messiah Lifeways is pleased to support our neighbors in this way.

Paxton Ministries, Harrisburg

• Jodie Smiley, Executive Director shared her ministry’s delight at using the former Board Room chairs in offices at Paxton Street Home. “We are glad to receive those things that still have a useful life, and which enhance our workplace and homes.”