Steven Franklin and Paula Gradert joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about the Matthew 5:42 Ministries and the generous donation they received from an anonymous donor. Matthew 5:42, a local ministry, recently celebrated its fifth anniversary, marking the occasion by receiving a generous donation from an anonymous benefactor: a truck and trailer. Over the past half-decade, founders, alongside dedicated volunteers, have significantly impacted their community, aiding countless individuals through donations, furniture drop-offs, and spiritual support. The recent gift will enhance their ability to collect and distribute essentials to those in need, further establishing Matthew 5:42’s crucial role in local charitable efforts. The ministry continues to grow, driven by community support and the profound dedication of its leaders and volunteers. Matthew 5:42 is in urgent need of volunteers to help set up for the upcoming Resource Fair at the First Christian Church in Kewanee, 105 Dwight Street. Volunteers are needed during the day on November 15, 2024, to help set up for the resource fair on November 16th. (Get a tour of the new truck and trailer in the video and pictures included below.)
Matthew 5:42 is only accepting children’s outdoor gear, such as coats, gloves, hats, and boots. They also need dressers and beds of any size. Contact Steven Franklin at 309-883-2848 or Paula Gradert at 309-714-4515 to donate or volunteer. You can contact Matthew 5:42 on Facebook here. Volunteering for Matthew 5:42 qualifies as community service hours.
Steve Franklin thanked the people who make the Matthew 5:42 Ministries possible on a Facebook post: “Thank you to this group here! Briar Sargeant, Max Christman, Alanna Williams, Grayson Christman, Leah Franklin, Corbyn Murphy, Bradyn Jones, Kelly Franklin, Paula Rae Anne, Paul Bosanko, Mike Lee, Calab James Franklin, and many more over the years!!”
Steve Franklin said, “Within that five years we have had many donations from so many people. Thank you!! We have had many people like Jerry and Brenda Muckey, Josh Reside, Chuck and Sue Lain, Dave and Shirley Brokaw, Kevin and Kayla Lucas, Lance and Kimberly Hampton, Lanny and Donna Hulslander, and Finish Well ministries and others help us with transportation. God has provided and now He has used an anonymous donor to help us with donations and drop offs of furniture. We have had many volunteers and particularly youth of those five years. So many!! Blessed, Blessed, Blessed!!”
