Matching donations for Barnabas Connection
The COVID-19 virus attacked and like the rest of the U.S., the valley and most in it went into isolation. People are being forced into staying home and not going to work. This means no money coming in to pay for living expenses, such as rent, utilities, food, etc. The question goes out in quite a few homes, “how can we survive?”
UMC’s Barnabas Connection is always one of the first to respond and offering help during times of emergencies, proving it over and over. During this current pandemic, it is no exception.
“We have a generous silent donor who will match donations up to $25,000 due to the coronavirus,” Kate Sowell, the Executive Director of the Barnabas Connections. She’s a little surprised, but not really. “This community, if you need something, here it’s neighbor helping neighbor. In two days (last Friday and Saturday) there were over $3500 and $3750 in checks plus one pledge. It is just incredible. One donor messaged that they were so blessed to live here.” She continued.
“We’ve been busy on the hotline. In March we had a 48% increase. In just the first week of April, we had 23 callers. Although we’ve only had one person here with (the virus as of Monday morning) lots of jobs and businesses are hurting. This town is tied to tourism and people are seeing the effects of it.”
Sowell stresses that it is the volunteers and others that makes the Barnabas Connection what it is. “We have amazing volunteers on the phone lines.” The phone lines can help with critical, correct information when one is moving through social services and finding the right help for each individual.
“This is not me, it is the people behind us… We can’t do it without everybody.” The organization was the first to sponsor the Back to School Fiesta, providing backpacks to children that need them, and also helping families with meager means with their reduced prices Christmas Store. They have always been with help and information when the situation is darkest.
The Barnabas Connection help line for those in need is (512) 842-9674.
Donate on Facebook, which is not charging a fee at this time. All funds go directly to the 501 (3) C non-profit organization. Donations can also be made on their webpage at barnabasconnects.org or mailed to Barnabas Connection, P.O. Box 145 Wimberley, Texas 78676