The We Are Friends ministry of Logan St. John the Evangelist Church has completed its fourth year and again served more than 200 individuals and families in Hocking and surrounding counties, most of whom are clients of local social service agencies, in 2024.
Deacon Don Robers of Logan St. John said the area’s economic situation resulted in an increase in requests for help with utilities and rent payments. The ministry also provided furniture, bedding and household items; helped several people with funeral expenses and provided groceries, medications and clothing for others.
Deacon Robers and representatives of community organizations, including Hocking County Municipal and Common Pleas Court judges, set up the ministry to help the area’s needy, especially those recovering from drug addiction.
We Are Friends is able to serve the community because of donations from members of the church and community and grants from The Catholic Foundation and South Central Power. The latter grant was for the purchase of new bed frames and mattresses at an online auction at a tremendous discount, and the amount received was exhausted in 2024.
The Catholic Foundation grant is for three consecutive years, with a one-year pause, and will run out in 2025. Total expenses for We Are Friends in 2024 were $18,886.53.
The ministry set up a $5,000 donor-advised fund with the foundation four years ago and Deacon Robers said it has grown to around $43,000. This fund provides long-term financing to help the poor and those in need. Gifts from donors to the fund will keep on giving.
He said the ministry is running low on short-term financing to meet everyday expenses and needs. All donations are tax-deductible. In addition, the ministry is constantly in need of soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, toilet paper, dish detergent and paper towels.
Deacon Robers said donations of furniture and household items such as a small chest of drawers; end tables; sheets for twin/full beds; covers and blankets; pillows and pillowcases; lamps; small couches; chairs and small recliners; bath towels and washcloths; dishes; silverware; cups and saucers; small microwaves; potholders; pots and pans and small kitchen tables will be readily placed with people the ministry serves.
If you would like to donate for short-term needs, write a check to We Are Friends and mail to: We Are Friends, in care of St. John Catholic Church, 351 N. Market St., Logan, OH 43138.
If you wish to donate to the Catholic Foundation fund, write a check to The Catholic Foundation, We Are Friends (noting Fund ID #325KJ in the memo section) and mail it to: The Catholic Foundation, 257 E. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43215.
Online gifts may be made by going to https://catholic-foundation/ giving/existing-funds/the-we-are-friends-donor-advised-fund, then clicking “Give to this Fund.”
If you have any questions, call (740) 808-0261.