The Vine - News Blog

WestAid needs extra donations for summer program

 
WestAid (7940 Camp Bowie West) has a summer program that allows families with children to receive food each month during those months when school is out.
 
Because of this increase in traffic, extra food donations are needed, especially "kid friendly" foods. Please call WestAid (817-737-9338) for ideas on what they need. They also request plastic grocery bags. Please bring your donations to the bins in Room 230 (adjacent to the kitchen) or to bins in the SAM Building near the library.
 
WestAid is open Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m., and volunteer positions include reception, intake interview desk, and pantry. The morning shift is 9:30 a.m. to Noon. The afternoon shift is Noon to 2:30 p.m. Both volunteers and substitutes are always needed.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

WestAid holding 7th Annual Trinity Trek on April 28

 
Westaid annual fundraiser is coming up Saturday, Apr. 28. Join them that day at 8 a.m. in Pecan Valley Park (I-20 at Winscott in Benbrook) for the 7th Annual Trinity Trek 5K Fun Walk/Run.
 

Entry fees are $20 for Age 14-Adult, $10 for Ages 6-13, and free for those younger than Age 6. Strollers and pets are welcome. Register online at WestAid.org.
 
Funds raised from this event are used to purchase food to stock the WestAid shelves. You can support WestAid by participating in this event, by donating food, or by giving money to the organization.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

WestAid holding Open House on Sunday, March 25

 
WestAid is hosting an Open House on Sunday afternoon, Mar. 25 from 2-4 p.m. WestAid is located at 7940 Camp Bowie West (northwest corner of Camp Bowie West and Cherry Lane; in the middle of the shopping center immediately behind West Side Cafe). You’re invited to drop by and see firsthand one of Arborlawn’s mission efforts.
 
A major change will happen soon. WestAid is implementing “Shopper’s Choice.” This program will enable the recipients to select items from the shelves, giving them the opportunity to choose the foods they receive.
 
Donations are always welcomed because the needs are so great. Donations can be monetary, food, or hygiene items. WestAid continually needs volunteers also. The ministry hours are 9:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Volunteer shifts are morning (9:30 a.m. until Noon) or afternoon (Noon to 2:30 p.m.). Contact WestAid (or 817-737-9338) if you can donate or help out.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

WestAid: need for volunteers and funds ongoing

 
WestAid (7940 Camp Bowie West, northwest corner of Camp Bowie West and Cherry Lane) is always looking for volunteers and monetary donations. The agency provides food to the hungry in the west part of Fort Worth.
 
On a recent afternoon, Arborlawn members and friends Bob Plummer and Dale and Jo Southern (pictured) were stocking shelves there. The agency has seen increased traffic in the past few months, and they always need food to hand out.
 

Do you have one morning or afternoon a week that you could help WestAid? The agency’s hours are 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and volunteer shifts are either morning (9:30 a.m. to Noon) or afternoon (Noon to 2:30 p.m.) If you can substitute occasionally, the times are arranged ahead and you work at your convenience. If you or anyone you know can spare two-and-a-half hours per week, please call WestAid at 817-737-9338.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

WestAid: Move has made needs greater

 
Contributed by Peggy Grona
 
Due to the recent relocation of WestAid to far west Fort Worth (Camp Bowie West and Cherry Lane), many more people are coming in for aid. Some families desperately depend on WestAid until their lives improve.
    
Because of this increased traffic, extra volunteers (for both permanent and substitute positions) are needed to serve all the people. The agency also needs extra food.
   
Do you have one morning or afternoon a week that you could help WestAid? The agency’s hours are 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and volunteer shifts are either morning [9:30 a.m. to Noon] or afternoon [Noon to 2:30 p.m.] Openings include reception desk, intake interview desk, and pantry.
    
If you can substitute occasionally, the times are arranged ahead and you work at your convenience. If you or anyone you know can spare two-and-a-half hours per week, please call WestAid at 817-737-9338.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

WestAid filling a tremendous need in far west Fort Worth; asks for continued prayers and help

 
By Peggy Grona
 
WestAid if very grateful for the generous donations of holiday food and money for turkey (or ham) for  families who come to us in need. Because you care, families are able to have a holiday meal with their loved ones.
 
We have seen an increase of families; many new  coming in since our relocation to 7940 Camp Bowie W.; sometimes as many as 50 families in a five-hour period. Together with our supporters, we can continue to fill this need. 
 
Some are experiencing a temporary setback, while others need continued assistance because of illness, unemployment or other family issues. With the numbers increasing, the need for food donations is greater than ever. Especially needed are canned meats, pasta and sauce, and cereal.
 
Also, more volunteers are needed in several positions. Volunteers work from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. or from 12 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. If you have time to volunteer once a week or even monthly, please call WestAid at 817-737-9338 and find out what positions are needed.  
 
WestAid appreciates your support and asks for your prayers for this much needed mission.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

WestAid finds new home on Camp Bowie West

After months of searching, WestAid has found a new home. They officially opened Nov. 8 at 7940 Camp Bowie West at Cherry Lane. 
 
After more than twenty five years of rent-free locations, they will now be responsible for rent, utilities, and other in-house expenses. So it will be a challenge. 
 
WestAid is a faith based non-profit and together with you - donors, volunteers, parish and church partners, corporate partners and other generous funders - they will continue to assist those in need.
 
WestAid's goal is to give people hope and make a difference in their lives. Individuals and families come to WestAid when they are faced with unemployment, family strife, debt, illness, or homelessness. Many are caring for grandchildren and even great grandchildren. As many as 40 to 50 families a day are served. 
 
Volunteers are always needed and  shifts are from 9:30 a.m to Noon or Noon to 2:30 p.m. Volunteers are trained for intake, interviewing, and the pantry. WestAid  is open Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. For more details, call WestAid (817 737-9338) or Peggy Grona (817 292-1066).
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Reminder about Thanksgiving Bags: due this Sunday

Please remember to shop and fill up your Thanksgiving Bags and return them to church no later than this Sunday, Nov. 6. We appreciate your help in reaching out to the clients of WestAid and United Community Centers.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Thanksgiving Bags due back Sunday, November 6

We’re once again this year sharing Thanksgiving foods with the people of the community of Fort Worth by collecting specific items for the United Community Centers and WestAid. The Thanksgiving Bags with shopping lists attached are still available at the church - either in the church office or on the Welcome Kiosks. Participants, please return filled bags to Arborlawn by Sunday, Nov. 6.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

WestAid nearing move; financial and other help still sought

WestAid must vacate its current location on Bryan Irvin Road by Oct. 15. Many friends of WestAid have been searching for a new location, and it has been difficult.
   
We are hopeful that a property on Camp Bowie will be WestAid’s new home. WestAid has never had to pay rent or utilities, but that will now change. The rent alone will be about $1,450 per month and utilities will also need to be paid.
   
We have been unable to promote any kind of funding campaign in the community as we did not know how much was needed or where/how it would be spent. The urgency of WestAid’s Oct. 15 move out date gives us a very short time frame to raise necessary funds.
   
Some improvements are necessary, meaning funds as well as donations of time and materials are needed as soon as possible to make this happen. Electricians, plumbers, carpenters, painters, movers, and general help are needed. Painting supplies, flooring, shelving etc. are also needed.
   
Anything and any amount of time you can donate are appreciated. WestAid needs your assistance to achieve this goal. If you can help, please contact WestAid (817-737-9338) or Peggy Grona.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org