Adventist Community Services

March at The 403: A Season of Giving, Growth, and Gratitude

Written by George Carpenter | March 13, 2025

 

As I sit down to write this update, March is roaring in like a lion! The meteorologists certainly earned an A+ for their predictions. But even in the midst of the wind and rain, signs of new life are emerging. On my way to The 403, I spotted the first buds pushing through on the flowering cherry trees—proof that spring is just around the corner!

And just like the changing season, The 403 is buzzing with activity. Shoppers have been filling our thrift store, some excitedly hunting for treasures and others seeking essentials to face the hard nights ahead. The good news? Because of your generosity—through donations and financial gifts—we’ve been able to meet most of their needs. Thank you for being the hands and feet of Jesus!

High-Demand Items for This Season

With unpredictable spring weather upon us, some of the most needed items right now include:
✅ Rain jackets
✅ Umbrellas
✅ Ponchos with hoods
✅ Tents
✅ Sturdy shoes for both men and women

If you’re able to donate, please consider bringing these items to help those in need. Your kindness makes a real difference in someone’s life.

How to Get Help at The 403

Not everyone knows how to access the help we provide, so let’s break it down:
➡ Walk through the front door
➡ Head to the back left
➡ Sign in and wait your turn
➡ Meet with an interviewer to discuss your situation and immediate needs
➡ Request prayer if you’d like
➡ Receive help—no ID required, no questions asked.

Our HELP CENTER is open Monday through Thursday from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Please share this with friends, neighbors, or anyone in need of support.

Our mission is simple but powerful: "Love God, Love People, Serve the World." And our vision? "With love and compassion for all, as inspired by Jesus Christ, we provide material, emotional, and spiritual support to empower those seeking help to regain or maintain a life of purpose, grace, and self-sufficiency."

Building Update

We don’t have any new developments on a building sale or a new location, but we know one thing for certain—God is in control. We trust Him to guide this process in His perfect timing.

Welcome, New Volunteers!

We’re thrilled to welcome Pat and Lillian Caldwell, LeRon Cary, and Ed Lewis to our volunteer team! Their time, expertise, and servant hearts are a blessing.

That being said, we still urgently need cashiers, interviewers, and bilingual volunteers. Many of our regular volunteers will be traveling in the spring and summer, and we need extra hands to keep everything running smoothly. If you’re interested, we’d love to have you join us!

A Strong Financial Year & EBay Boost

We are incredibly grateful for a financially stable year, despite rising expenses. Our eBay sales have been a great help, and if you’d like to browse our listings, you can find us at User ID: acscenter403. Every purchase supports our mission!

One of the most exciting additions to our food pantry is the ability to include eggs, milk, and bread in our food boxes. This may seem like a small change, but for those we serve, it’s a huge blessing.

Special Item for Sale

Looking for a beautiful dining set? We just received a gorgeous oak round table with two leaves and 8 chairs—yes, 8 chairs!—for $525.00. If you're interested, come check it out before it's gone!

The Power of Prayer

Missions are fueled by prayer. The 403 is your mission, and together, we are making a difference. But we can do even more—with your prayers, your time, and your support.

As we walk through this Holy Season, may we reflect on the greatest gift of all—Jesus Christ. May we honor Him by loving God, loving people, and serving the world.

Thank you for being part of this mission. May God bless you abundantly!

The 403 Team