Helping the Community: A Warming Shelter Opens in Lexington, S.C.
LEXINGTON, S.C. — This past weekend, the heart of Lexington warmed up not just from the heat of the heaters but from the work of the community coming together to help those in need. A warming shelter opened its doors at Radius Church, providing a much-needed refuge as the temperatures dipped below freezing.
A Community Effort
Pastor John Ptak, who leads the church, shared that nearly 60 individuals found shelter overnight last weekend. In his words, “We’re dependent upon volunteers and resources. And so if we have that and we can do it, we’re trying to step up to the plate and make it happen for Lexington County.” This isn’t just a one-off effort; the church has been committed to aiding the community for the past three years, especially during times when the temperature drops.
Planning for the Cold
Before deciding to open the warming shelter, Pastor Ptak and his team assess the weather conditions and the needs of the community. Last weekend, they had about 50 air mattresses and 10 cots available, along with 5-10 dedicated volunteers on hand to help throughout the night. That’s plenty of space for those needing a safe place to rest!
Partnering for Change
The church didn’t go at it alone! They partnered with the nonprofit C-PLACE and the United Way, who generously donated up to 60 brand new sleeping bags. This collaboration has been essential in ensuring everyone has a warm spot to lay their head. Pastor Ptak added, “We had to coordinate amongst our own body of believers to work with the volunteers and get that staffed.” It’s this spirit of teamwork that truly brightens the coldest nights.
Neighbors Helping Neighbors
What’s even more heartwarming is how the community has stepped up. “People have just come from all over the community to drop off supplies, to cook food, to learn their names, their neighbors’ names, and to love on people. And that’s a beautiful thing this time of year,” Ptak noted. It’s such a refreshing reminder of how when times get tough, neighbors become a family.
Looking Ahead
As winter rolls on, there’s always the possibility of another chilly snap in the Midlands. Pastor Ptak assured that if the cold returns and the church has the resources, they will open their doors again to help those in need. “God loves us. He cares for us, and in the same way, we ought to care for one another. And this is just a small way that we can build a bridge to someone that may not know Christ,” he stated, expressing his commitment to the community.
A Glimmer of Hope
As we shuffle through the winter months, stories like this remind us of the warmth that can be found in the midst of hardship. The warming shelter at Radius Church is not just about keeping warm; it’s about coming together and lifting each other up. It’s a lovely reminder that the spirit of giving and kindness is very much alive in Lexington, S.C.
So next time the temperature drops, we can all take a cue from the residents of Lexington and ask ourselves how we can lend a helping hand – whether it’s volunteering, donating, or simply spreading the word.
