November 13, 2023 – Happy anniversary to us! It was on November 15, 2018, that the Around the World Shop opened and began selling handmade items that help the poor. What started out as primarily knitwear now has more than 5000 items from more than 50 countries, partnering with more than 30 organizations. When we started 5 years ago, we never thought of what it would become.
One of the major focuses we have now is working with the needy in our own back yard. As part of the program, we now monthly work with the homeless and the low-income elderly in Jackson.
We will go to the Interfaith Shelter (homeless) with the materials needed and teach the folks to make something that we then sell in the store. They are paid $10 an hour for their time and it will run from 2-3 hours when we go. We work with 4-5 folks each time.
We also go to a home for low-income elderly woman. Again, once a month we go to their facility and give them the materials needed to make specific projects. We pick up what they made the month before and pay them for their time. We give them new materials for this month’s project. We currently have 7 clients there.
REED Workshop
This year we have been working to create a workshop where bigger and more skilled products can be made. We have space in the store and some equipment to create bigger and better products. We are excited about this but also need some help.
Since we pay the folks, we are serving as they work, we need the funds up front to cover materials and their labor. We are asking that for GIVING TUESDAY this year you might consider a gift to the Development Fund for the REED Workshop. This will give us funds to invest in people who are often down on their luck and need a hand up. By having more funds up front we can better plan projects that are sustainable and will help us better teach more life long skills.
We project in the workshop it will cost us about $500 a month to manage the projects. If you would like to give to this idea you can mail a check to Marketplace Manna 151 E Michigan, Jackson, Mi or give on-line by clicking here. https://tithe.ly/give_new/www/#/tithely/give-one-time/3138219
We want to share one story. This fall a lady and young daughter came into the store. We greeted her explaining what we do and why. She asked, ‘Are you the ones who go to the shelter?” We said yea and she told us she did the dog chew toys before but is now back on her feet, getting married and they are buying a home. She said “I wanted to come by and see the store, help by buying something and to say thanks.
When I encounter folks who’s lives, we had a small part in making a difference we are reminded why we do what we do! Your support helps us to do what we dol. Thank YOU, for the prayers and financial contributions you can make.
Here are some pictures of items made this year.