Written by
Dee Loflin, SMT Manager/Editor

Dexter, Missouri - Members of the First Christian Church in Dexter stand behind only a portion of the Easter “baskets” they prepared for Stoddard County families in need and donated to the Stoddard County Mission.

Seventy-five families in need will benefit from their efforts. 

Holloway’s Distributing in Puxico delivered paper and laundry products worth nearly $6,000 to the mission. The items were also donated from the church, purchased with proceeds from the “Billie’s Closet” event held in November.

Billie’s Closet is a fundraising endeavor in honor of Billie Harty.  When she passed away in June of 2013 her husband, Norman decided to donate her personal items to his church, the First Christian Church of Dexter.  Doing this Norman though the items could be purchased at auction and the proceeds could go toward helping local families.

It was decided that a gala evening titled, “Billie’s Closet” would be held at the church in November. The event netted several thousand dollars. In conjunction with the Easter Baskets presented to the Gospel Rescue Mission, Holloway Distributing out of Puxico delivered a truckload of paper products, and laundry and dish soap to the Mission — nearly $6,000 worth of household products, all paid for with proceeds from “Billie’s Closet” event.

“We are so fortunate to have these items on hand for our families in need,” Slavings said upon delivery Wednesday. “This act of kindness is one of the most generous gestures we’ve ever experienced from one local entity, and it is greatly appreciated.”

Pictured above are (front) Debbie Vanslyke, Kellie Reese, Carolyn Carrier, Kim Williams, Mission Director Kim Slavings, Jansen Williams, Nona Robinson, and Debbie Stidham. In back are Sean Vanslyke, Gary Williams, Pastor Michael Williams, Mission Food Pantry Manager Marty Starnes, and Larry  Thompson.

What wonderful people we have in our community who come together to help such a wonderful organization.  The Stoddard County Gospel Mission helps those who are less fortunate.

"The Stoddard County Gospel Mission operates on donations from the local community. Gently used items are donated and sold for a minimal price in the Mission’s Thrift Store. Money from sales in the store help to support the overall operation of the store and keep the food pantry stocked with food for approximately 1200 families in Stoddard County each month."

“That means a lot of food each month is needed to help with these low-income household needs,” says Kim Slavings, director.

Food drives are a necessity to keep food on the mission’s shelves. Most recently, US Bank and Family Video sponsored food drives to assist in the mission’s needs. In June, Allen Christian Buick GMC sponsors a Stuff a Truck event. In September, the local Faurecia plant holds a Food Drive Challenge, and in November the Boy Scouts Food Drive contributes to the mission’s needs.

Rotary Interact Students of Stoddard County and other schools in the county have also brought in food items. In December, Dexter Schools sponsor a coat and food drive to benefit the mission.

“It is our hope that other businesses and churches in the county will be inspired to keep in mind the less fortunate within our community, as has members of the First Christian Church. We so much appreciate all who continue to have a part in helping us help others.”