Manheim Central townlively.com
AUGUST 14, 2024
SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
VOL LXV • NO 29
Combining hands-on fun with environmental education BY CATHY MOLITORIS
When it’s hot, hot, hot outside, there’s no better way to cool down than splashing in the creek. On Monday, Aug. 19, you can embrace the water’s chilliness while also learning about the environment at the Chiques Creek Stomp. The event will be held in Little Chiques Park,
229 Park Ave., Mount Joy, from 6 to 7 p.m. “The creek stomp will provide the opportunity for participants to get in the stream and collect samples of the aquatic wildlife,” explained Tim Elder, treasurer of the Chiques Creek Watershed Alliance, which hosts the activity. “Representatives of the Lancaster County Conservation See Creek pg 5
Free clothing, shoes and accessories will be offered at God’s Clothing Closet.
Come shopping at God’s Clothing Closet BY CATHY MOLITORIS
a need for something like this in the community,” Dunmire said. “Back-to-school shopping can be very expensive.” Last year, the church served about 443 shoppers over the two-day event. Shoppers donated a box of food to the pantry as well as close to $200 in cash to purchase more Bibles. It takes a lot of help to be able to provide God’s Clothing Closet for the community, Gray said. Last year, more than 50 volunteers donated more than 300 hours of their time from setup to cleanup. Nothing goes to waste with the giveaway, either. Leftovers are donated to Jubilee Ministries in Manheim. Although it requires time and effort to host God’s Clothing Closet, it’s important to the members of Ruhl’s Church, who are always looking for ways to connect with the larger community. The giveaway provides an See Closet pg 2
Participants at a previous year’s creek stomp investigate what’s in the water.
Merger ushers in new era in NSI’s war against human trafficking BY JEFF FALK
North Star Initiative (NSI) is doubling down on its mission. The local nonprofit is adding to its resources and increasing its reach in the fight against human trafficking. R e c e n t l y, N S I a b s o r b e d Freedom and Restoration for Everyone Enslaved (F.R.E.E.), a Berks County-based nonprofit with similar goals, methods
and beliefs, into its operations. It’s a move that will allow NSI to impact more survivors and achieve an even greater good. “I’ve had a desire for collaboration,” said Melinda Clark, NSI’s executive director. “There’s too much work that needs to be done, and you can’t do it alone. We want to bring together skilled and passionate people. There’s so much chance of burnout from doing this restoration work. We See NSI pg 3
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alk about a walk-in closet. W h e n R u h l ’s C h u r c h hosts its annual clothing giveaway, the selection will fill the gym at the church, located at 4810 Elizabethtown Road, Manheim. God’s Clothing Closet, featuring free clothing, footwear and accessories for people of all ages, will be held on Friday, Aug. 23, and Saturday, Aug. 24. Friday’s event will be held from 3 to 7 p.m. by appointment only. On Saturday, the giveaway will be open from 8 to 11 a.m., and no appointment is necessary. To make an appointment for Friday, call or text 717-201-7566. “This is our 24th year of God’s Clothing Closet,” said Kris Gray, who is chairing the event with Barb Dunmire. “Our volunteers put in hundreds of hours sorting clothing and getting
everything ready.” All clothing is inspected to be sure it’s clean and in good condition, she said. “We have clothing in all sizes, all seasons,” Gray noted. “This is some great ‘new to you’ clothing, and everybody’s welcome.” At least half of the gym is filled with women’s clothing, with clothing for men and children sharing the other half, Gray said. “We get prom gowns. We’ve had wedding dresses, fancy dress clothes, maternity clothes, nursing scrubs,” Gray said. “The whole family can get something.” A table of free devotional materials will be set up for shoppers to peruse, and food donations will be collected for the Manheim Central Food Pantry if shoppers wish to bring some. Food donations are not required to attend the event. “Back to school is right around the corner, and there is