On January 22, 2024, during an MCCA meeting, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Nodaway County Executive Director Lynette Harbin expressed a need for a place to house furniture and household items for people in need in Nodaway County. Seeing this as a wonderful mission opportunity, Pastor Gina Johnson took the idea to the Outreach Team of First Christian Church and they enthusiastically agreed.

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At the time they were looking into the idea of beginning this new ministry, First Christian Church's youth and children's Sunday school classrooms on the lower floor were unused and were in the process of being cleaned out to make room for new beginnings, so the Team knew there was room to house the items. No sooner had they made the decision to move forward than we had our first client and an overwhelming response with donations from individuals and a local hotel. 

The Outreach Team designated a room for household items and a second room for furniture and a call went out to the congregation for volunteers to commit to steering this blossoming ministry. We created a Facebook group and invited everyone in Nodaway County and beyond to help us in naming this new ministry. By April 11, 2024, the votes were in and The Giving Tree had its official name.

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On May 9, 2024, The Giving Tree's steering committee had its first meeting and began putting the ministry's structure into place, making choices regarding donation and pick up policies, hours of operation, and other necessary decisions.

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As we continue to reach out and lift up our community through The Giving Tree, we appreciate everyone who has joined us in the many ways it takes to make this ministry possible.

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To those who have donated:

Your items will go to bless someone more than you may ever know. Thank you for helping us help them!
 

To those who have received items from The Giving Tree:

We hope these items will bless you in many ways. Thank you for letting us be a part of that blessing!