BY DR. DORAL R. PULLEY
Last fall, St. Pete Free Clinic asked our church, Unity of Midtown, to help them meet a great need in the community. I thought the need was going to be for food, water, clothing or shelter. When Sister Lois Vines (leader of our Community Outreach Ministry and a volunteer at the clinic) told me that the need was toilet tissue, I was shocked.
She further explained why toilet tissue was one of the greatest needs in Pinellas County. One reason is that people who receive public assistance are not able to purchase paper goods with their food stamp cards. Therefore, people often steal toilet paper from grocery stores, libraries and other public facilities.
Although toilet paper is something that everyone needs and uses, it is one of the least donated items. Shelters and transitional homes receive an abundance of personal hygiene items (toothpaste, soap, deodorant, combs, brushes, lotions, etc.) especially during the holidays, but few people give toilet paper.
God has laid it on my heart to establish the We’re On A Roll campaign so that we can “wipe out lack in Pinellas County.” Every Sunday, I stand in our pulpit with a roll of toilet tissue in my hand and ask our congregants to donate. So far, we have filled two trucks to overflowing with toilet tissue.
This is just the beginning! We challenge other churches, businesses and organizations to join us in fulfilling our mission. Be sure to drop off your rolls, packages and cases of toilet tissue to Unity of Midtown (located at 511 Prescott St. South St. Petersburg) at any of the following times:
- Sundays, from 9:30 am – 1:00 pm (during any of our classes or services)
- Tuesdays, from 11 am – 7:30 pm (during our office hours and Bible Study)
- Thursdays, from 11 am – 7:30 pm (during our office house and Prayer and Healing Service)