Changes...

At the end of October, Once More Clothing Store will be subletting to a new business: Jen's Family Connection. However, the TOILETRY BANK WILL STILL BE AT THE 128 E. QUEEN STREET LOCATION! The toiletry bank is NOT MOVING. We will STILL need donations of toiletries and items for our families. Jen's Family Connection will be a FOR-PROFIT, and NONE of their proceeds will go to our ministries. However, there store does help us pay the rent, so PLEASE shop there if you want to help us keep our building.
IF you have any questions, please email me at brandste@comcast.net
Thanks!
Steph

Thank you!!!

Thank you thank you thank you to KSC Young Adults and Adult classes for supporting our ministry!!! We really appreciate all you are doing!!! And thank you to all of you who have supported our ministry in the past (Air Hill, Calvary Chapel, Dr. Davis, and St. Thomas Assembly of God, Trinity Episcopal, Salem Evangelical Lutheran, and MANY, MANY others
!!!). You help us help over 50 individuals/families each month!!!!

Raise the Praise

Had an awesome time at the first annual Raise the Praise event at the Shippensburg Fairgrounds. Thanks go out to Next to Nothing for putting this together!!
Once More :)

Our ministry center...

I am hopefully uploading a picture of the outside of our building. We are located at 128 E. Queen Street in downtown Chambersburg.

Steph was on Mix 95 yesterday with Rick and Lisa!!

Yesterday, I was able to be on the morning show with Rick Alexander and Lisa Harding at 8:40 a.m.! This was an amazing opportunity to spread the word about what we are doing at OMM!!!
We are so grateful to Suzy for arranging this on-air spot! Please continue to spread the word about what we are doing!! God Bless!!!

Who's who....

Just want everyone to know who is part of our ministry.....
Board of Directors: Jim Massey, Adam Brandt, Stephanie Brandt, Suzy Kauffman, Christy Miller, Rochelle Plummer

Toiletry Bank Mangers:
Suzy Kauffman and Rochelle Plummer

Store Manager:
Christy Miller

Store Associates:
Doris, Priscilla, Shirley, Debbie

Band Members:
Jim Massey- Guitar and Vocals
Steph Brandt- Vocals
Lyle Hock- Drums
Mark Bryson- Bass Guitar
Jacob Harrison- Guitar

Band Manager: Guy Whitlock - Talbot Artist Agency
www.talbotartistagency.com


Non-Profit Umbrella:
Artists In Christian Testimony International, Larry Moshell
www.actinternational.org
Nashville, TN

Examples of toiletries we take....

A lot of people have asked me what we consider a "toiletry." So, I thought I'd post a list here.
-Shampoo, conditioner, hair products, soap
-toothpaste, floss, toothbrushes, mouth wash
-deodorant, lotion
-paper towels, kleenex, toilet paper (We never have enough of this stocked for our clients).
-laundry detergent, softener
-cleaning products (windex, 409, etc.)
-Diapers (these are specific needs for specific families - email oncemore@pa.net for sizes if you feel led to give diapers).

About our clients

Right now our toiletry bank meets the needs of over 43 individuals/families in the Franklin County Area. Every month we receive donated goods from individuals, church groups, civic groups, etc. to help meet the needs of needy families in our area. Our clients range from the elderly couple, to the young single mother with two autistic children. We have had a client who was burning at a burn barrel and received burns all over the front of his body. We have had clients who were physically or emotionally disabled, and we have had several clients from the homeless shelter. We also give away free clothes to needy families who are referred to our store through various agencies, churches, etc. However, we do have to pay our rent, utilities, and liability insurance, so we rely on store sales and donations to keep us going. We have been open as a store for one year, but the toiletry bank has now been open for six months!

BENEFIT YARD SALE!!!!!!!

We will be having a benefit YARD AND BAKE SALE for Once More Ministries on June 12th and 13th (Friday and Saturday) from 8-???? We are currently asking people who are interested in helping to possibly donate used goods, bake something for the bake sale, or volunteer to help those days. Please email the toiletry bank coordinator (Suzy Kauffman) at oncemore@pa.net
Thanks so much!!!

A Letter....

Here is a letter from one of our toiletry bank clients (He has been diagnosed with HIV):
"Dear Stephanie,
Today I came home from One More and realized what a blessing it was to have met you and your husband. What a great help you are to the people in Chambersburg.

Sure, the toiletries were much needed. I washed clothes when I got home. :) But the sharing, the praying for me, acceptance of me and my situation in life, and understanding of me blew me away. I came in expectied to fill out some paperwork, and pick up a few things for my apartment.

WRONG!!! What I came home with will never fit in any amount of bags in your store. You made my heart and soul feel special. I really needed that, especially during these trying holidays. You made Christmas a bit more easier knowing that I have your hugs and reminding me that God loves ME even though I have all this junk in my life.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Gratefully Yours,
********
P.S. See you all on Friday night and thank you for inviting me! Now I'll have some clean clothes to wear that night! Take Care"

It's good to know that we ARE making a difference in our community!

A Story....

When we first opened the toiletry bank, I was running all the client interviews until Suzy K. came on board. I'll never forget when our third client of the day walked in...He was tall and thin, and seemed very sick. He sat down and explained that he was on disability for health issues and that his mother and brother had died within the last two years. He had no one to care for him, and is anxiety attacks were overwhelming. My husband and I reviewed his financial documents, and it was clear he was in need. We asked him to describe the need for all the medications he was taking, and he quietly said, "I have aids." I tried not to let my mouth fall to the floor (I had actually never met a person who actually had this). Well, before the end of the interview, I was crying and he was trying to console me! We hugged good-bye, and I told him we'd see him next month. Most months he comes in for his toiletries, unless he's too sick. He also regularly comes in for a hug, because many people won't hug him because of his condition. Its amazing to me that we can do one small thing to touch someone else's life!

Coffeehouse was Friday Night!

We had our monthly coffeehouse Friday night, and we had over 60 people! Thank you Kerensa and Tresa! This was an awesome experience, and we were able to minister to many people! Thank you if you attended!

Welcome!

Welcome to the blog of Once More Ministries! We are a ministry located at 128 E. Queen Street in Chambersburg, PA . Originially a worship band, we decided to open a thrift clothing store in March of 2008. After being open seven months, we added two ministry components - a toiletry bank and a free coffeehouse (once a month - the last Friday of the month usually). Instead of giving away food like a food bank, we give away free toiletries to needy families in the area. Families must be in crisis or meet income guidelines to receive services. We have a lot of awesome stories to share, so hopefully you'll be encouraged while you are here!