“We rise by lifting others.” This powerful message by Robert Ingersoll, author, and lawyer, is a sentiment that resonates with Plymouth Congregational Church.
Each year, they serve hundreds of Wichitans in need in our community through HumanKind–collecting items for Operation Holiday, serving meals in our shelters, and cleaning up our campus–members of Plymouth Congressional Church do everything they can to lift those in need in our community.
Plymouth and its congregation have been advocates and supporters of HumanKind and our clients for decades. Each year, they set up several Operation Holiday collection boxes at their church and collect non-perishables foods, kid’s coats, winter gear, blankets, and more for thousands of individuals and families in the community.
They have also volunteer in our shelters, serving meals to hundreds who have nowhere else to go. Karen Robu, Associate Minister says the hands-on service opportunities have meant the most to their congregation, “Several years ago, two of our members brought their young granddaughter to help serve meals at the winter shelter. She was the one who passed the plates of food through the window to the men. It had been a very cold day and spending the day out on the street must have been miserable for them. So, when she innocently asked one of them “How was your day?” her grandfather was mortified. The man, however, did not miss a beat and with a big smile on his face replied, “My day was wonderful young lady, how was yours?” The gratitude that is continually expressed by those receiving a simple hot meal humbles me.”
Plymouth’s unwavering dedication to serving those in need is truly remarkable. Their strong belief in community service, rooted in their faith, drives their pursuit of justice in our community. Through their tireless efforts, they have positively impacted the lives of thousands of individuals and families, lifting those in need and helping the community rise.