Pictured: Beth (second from the left) with some members of the Lydia Circle.
Beth Farr
Beth is part of the Lydia Circle, a group of 16 members through Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, that has quilted blankets and crocheted and knitted hats and scarves for the Mission for about three years.
How did you first get involved with the Mission?
Years ago, it was winter, and it was snowing, and a friend of mine from the Circle called me up and said, “We have to get some quilts down to Denver Rescue Mission, because there are people on the street who are cold.”
So, we loaded up our little Volkswagen, and we drove down at eight o’clock on a winter night with snow, and we gave those quilts out. That was the first exposure I had, other than the sign outside that says, “Jesus Saves.”
What do you think it means to those who receive the items you make?
When we make them, we have the people in mind—children, women, men. I hope it means that they get warmth and love from the people who gave them. I hope those people realize that this is part of Christ’s work. The first time we gave to Denver Rescue Mission, I think we gave 43 quilts. And hats and scarves—I couldn’t begin to guess how many. There’s a lot of satisfaction in knowing that we can do something we enjoy, have community and also help people.
Have you learned anything new about the Mission that has surprised you?
Yes, the last time Heather from the Mission came to pick up some items, she told us all about the Mission. For instance, I had no idea that there were other locations; I thought the whole Mission was downtown, and several of our members felt the same way. She told us how you deal with families, but as a whole group I don’t think we knew about all the things that you do and have since been educated.
This post is part of December’s Changing Lives Newsletter. This month, we’re sharing how the Mission’s emergency shelter gave LaDasmine and his family a fresh start in: A Season of Peace.
