CARTHAGE, Mo. — In its 40th year of serving the local area, Carthage Crosslines Ministry is ramping up for some exciting improvements.
Approximately 500 people in eastern Jasper County receive help from this nonprofit in Carthage – a seemingly quiet place on 6th Street – but on the inside, visitors’ jaws drop at the efficient use of space for food distribution, clothes, household needs, hygiene essentials and more.
“We use every square inch,” said Toni Smith, director of the organization. “People are always so surprised when they come here and see what we do. We’re planning some very exciting things as we celebrate our 40th year, and there’s all kinds of ways people can help.”
Volunteerism
Close to 150 people from across the area volunteer at Crosslines throughout the year, ranging in ages and abilities – all happy to give time and helping hands – from once a year to once a day.
“What’s your passion? Come do that,” Smith said with a laugh. “Even if you come down just to see this place, I encourage it. We are helping your grandmother, your church members, your neighbors, the single mom barely making it – come see the look on their faces when they get things they didn’t think they’d have because rent was so much of their check. Come see those tears of gratitude, then you’ll see why you should help.”
One volunteer in particular couldn’t imagine NOT coming to this building – Belle Lown, who served as the Crosslines director for 36 years before retiring three years ago. What started as a two-week training for Smith grew into a dynamic team and ongoing mentorship.
“This place was always in my heart,” Lown said. “Who could imagine having a job you’d do even if you weren’t paid to do it? I love being a part of it – I look forward to coming to here – and I know it’s rare for someone to do that. I have the opportunity to keep supporting the ministry, pray for people, encourage them, see the way God meets needs when things are really hard for people. It’s exciting and I’ll keep doing it as long as I’m able.”
Monetary Donations
Every penny is appreciated. Smith recalled the Bible story of the old woman who tithed all she had, and how Jesus loved it so much.
“We will receive checks written out for $5,” Smith said, tearing up. “And we know that comes from a tight budget but a heart that cares. And that means so much.”
It’s little acts of love like that, that inspire big projects – like generous donations from the McCune-Brooks Healthcare Foundation, or the new sidewalk and awning from Schuber Mitchell. But of the next big addition will be the building expansion at the Crosslines location.
The 4,000–square-foot building addition will serve as a garage and extra storage. Smith said three years ago, she never dreamed such huge changes would happen.
“In just trying to protect our assets, I started grant writing and the Lord just kept giving,” she said. “I had some ideas when I started here but nothing like this [gesturing to the artist rendition of the new building.] This year we’re starting a capital improvements campaign to help pay for it.”
A large bin is planned to be at the back of the building for donation drop-off.
Item Donations
Next time you need toothpaste or deodorant, get an extra one for Crosslines. Maybe you have gently used clothes? Anything and practically everything is welcome and appreciated – especially since a new thrift store opened inside Crosslines this January. It’s free for clients to shop the variety Monday-Thursday, and open to the public to shop for great prices Friday-Saturday.
“We weed through it all,” Smith said. “We take donations Monday through Thursday at the back door from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. But if you have a large or unique donation, just give us a call and we’ll arrange it and make it work. It all gets to the clients.”
A good way to know what Crosslines needs is to keep in mind that they prepare and collect specific donations a month before – such as back-to-school donations can be made in July.
After she passed by shelves of colorful Easter baskets, Smith said, “I bring a lot of my own life experiences here. I was raised by a single mom who worked to provide. When the money was stretched thin, we didn’t have extra things. That’s where my heart comes in for things like this – to see caregivers and parents emotional because they weren’t going to be able to have Christmas gifts or birthday gifts. That’s where we can help, and just that connection with people is so special to me. Is an Easter basket a necessity? Yes. It. Is.”
More Brightness
This summer, Crosslines is going to get a whole lot brighter when a mural will be painted on the front of the building on the west side entrance.
“We are a community organization and we’d love to see that represented on this wall,” Smith said. “There won’t be any doubt what we do here when this is painted.”
There are also plans for a garden on the north side of the building, a volunteer cookbook full of recipes, Stamp Out Hunger in May (a food drive effort from the U.S. Postal Service) and a volunteer banquet in October as a way of saying “Thank You.”
Spread Awareness
For updates, announcements and to find out specific needs, follow Carthage Crosslines Ministry on Facebook. A great way to support the organization is to spread the word, and pray for the ministry to continue to be blessed.
Crosslines is located at 600 6th St., Carthage, and may be reached at 417.358.1577.
