Church Mouse Ministries committed to outreach
Robbinsville – Church Mouse Ministries, Inc., Board President Dot Beasley, 92, shared her experience of working with the Graham County nonprofit.
“It has been my passion of over 40 years and I feel joy in doing good for people who need it,” Beasley said.
The ministry began in 1991 as a Catholic charity. In 2000, the program became Church Mouse Ministries – with a nonprofit status – and the outreach began.
The Church Mouse Thrift Store has been serving the community at 140 N. Main St., since 2005. Its mission is to serve the people of Graham County by developing and utilizing new and creative outreach programs, which allow them to “reach in” to the community. Church Mouse Ministries is dedicated to give those in need a “hand up,” instead of a “hand out."
With programs such as the annual scholarship for high school students, which provides 4-5 students $2,000 each for their post-secondary education; Grand United, which provides help to the elderly and disabled; the Knights Pantry – which offers food to students and elderly through the schools and the Graham County Senior Center – the Church Mouse keeps giving and keeps going.
It has been a blessing to many and has seen many dedicated volunteers over the years. Beasley has served in the mission for the past 34 years.
As they head into their busy season, program director Erin Emmons expressed appreciation for the donations given to the program and the volunteers that help keep everything going. The ministry currently has four paid employees and 7-10 volunteers.
As Spring arrives, the program is beginning its fifth year of harvest for the Robbinsville Community Garden, which is located behind the thrift store. The garden has 12 beds open for adoption to community members, who may plant produce for a fee. The harvest is distributed locally to anyone in need. Some gardeners adopt a bed and nurture it during planting and harvest, and donate the fruits of their labor to the community – while others may choose to keep their harvest for their personal use.
The garden has become a gathering place with picnic tables and shade. It is also used for educational purposes.
Another recent project at the ministry is the textile recycling program. The Church Mouse has partnered with Renewed Hope Ministries of Murphy, which picks up the unwanted clothing at the Graham County site and takes it to other locations – so that the clothes are not filling landfills.
In addition to selling clothing items in the store, clothes are also given to Robbinsville Elementary School, for families in need. Students and families may receive clothes as needed.
Church Mouse Ministries also donates clothing in emergency situations that may arise. As a result, many have received help and support.
In celebration of their success, Church Mouse Ministries plans to host a “Customer Appreciation Day” Tuesday, May 27, at the thrift store. The organization will be serving hot dogs and chips; everyone is welcome to attend.
“We’re in a very blessed community that allows us to give back from all we receive, and it really takes a lot of love to do what we are doing," Emmons said. "Hopefully we can stay in our mission for years to come.”
She also hopes to recruit a few good volunteers to help out.
“The reward far outweighs the workload and every day feels like Christmas,” Emmons added.
The appreciation day is a perfect opportunity to stop by and check out the garden, browse through the store, enjoy lunch and say hello to the staff.