St. Matthews Youth Group Connects Kentucky to Charlotte Community
By Cary Donley
Cary here, Crisis Assistance Ministry’s Volunteer Engagement Coordinator. I’m thrilled to contribute to this blog! In my role, I oversee the entire volunteer experience, collaborating with dedicated faith-based, for-profit, and non-profit organizations—both local and those traveling from across the U.S.—to provide critical assistance to our neighbors experiencing a financial crisis. We work together to ensure families can stabilize their housing, have access to basic necessities, and chart a path toward financial stability.
Let me tell you about the St. Matthews Baptist Church youth group’s incredible impact on the Charlotte community during their visit to Crisis Assistance Ministry. All the way from Kentucky, these devoted young people left a lasting impression (and maybe a few tears on my end!). Because this experience forged such a strong bond, I want to share it with you. But before I dive into their amazing work, let’s explore the history of St. Matthews Baptist Church’s inspiring youth program.
A Strong Foundation
St. Matthews Baptist Church’s Minister of Students, Brian, sought urban volunteer opportunities for their youth group. After considering several options, they chose three organizations for their weeklong service trip to Charlotte. When he and his team toured Crisis Assistance Ministry during a pre-trip visit, they learned that children’s clothing were a critical need for the families served here.
They took that as a call to action. St. Matthews Baptist Church didn’t just send youth volunteers. They mobilized their entire community to answer that need! Church seniors, fueled with compassion, hit the aisles at Marshalls, buying out entire sections to support Charlotte families in need. They didn’t stop there. They packed up a mountain of donations and drove them all the way from Kentucky!
Twenty-seven dedicated volunteers (including 19 youth) from St. Matthews Baptist Church made the long 8-hour drive to Crisis Assistance Ministry, bringing donations with them. Over four days, they enthusiastically volunteered in the Free Store and Free Store Production areas, served meals in the Lunch Ministry, and even spent quality time reading and playing with children in the lobby.
A Daughter’s Dress, a Community’s Hope
The group was able to process and hang their own donations. Minister Brian didn’t fully anticipate the profound this volunteer experience would have on him personally. While sorting donations, he came across an Easter dress his daughter cherished but outgrew. Witnessing its journey from his own family to the children’s racks in the Crisis Assistance Ministry’s Free Store, where families shop for household necessities free of charge, was a deeply emotional moment. The thought of another child finding joy in a garment that held such meaning for his own family truly warmed his heart.
Contributions Beyond Measure
The youth group realized that everyone deserves dignified clothing, and they made that a reality for more than 80 families a day who shop here free of charge. They not only donated a substantial amount of clothing (filling over 100 racks!), but also actively participated in various service activities. They assembled and distributed 800 lunches, donated books and toys for children, and spent quality time reading and playing with them in the lobby. This dedication translated into over 400 hours of volunteer service in just one week!
The St. Matthews Baptist Church youth group visit wasn’t just about numbers on a spreadsheet. It was about real connections. Some of the young people surprised me (and maybe even themselves!) by using their Spanish from school all the way back in Kentucky to chat with our customers. It was a heartwarming reminder that service can take many forms. Minister Brian, their leader, couldn’t have been happier. He was especially excited about our partnership with Philips Academy – a real symbol of how Crisis Assistance Ministry opens its doors to everyone. For him, it meant the world – that no matter your background or perceived limitations, you can find a way to make a difference here.
A Moment of Reflection
It was a humbling experience to work with St. Matthews Baptist Church from Kentucky. It reminded me that this is not just a job, but a connection that builds the bridge between people who want to serve and our neighbors who just need a “hand up.” This group’s t-shirts say it all: “LOVE ONE ANOTHER, IT’S NOT AN OPTION.”
Hope starts with you! Crisis Assistance Ministry needs your compassion. Sign up to volunteer today and help stabilize families right here in our community.
Cary Donley serves as Crisis Assistance Ministry’s Volunteer Engagement Coordinator. She is a single mother of two who enjoys spending time with her children and advocating for her community.
