NEWS RELEASE Burlington Coat Factory, One Warm Coat AND GOOD MORNING AMERICA partner to PROVIDE WARM coats to PEOPLE in need

Administrator — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 01:11:20 +0000

Burlington Coat Factory, One Warm Coat AND GOOD MORNING AMERICA partner to PROVIDE WARM coats to PEOPLE in need

Second Annual Warm Coats & Warm Hearts Drive Reaches Savannah through OLD SAVANNAH CITY MISSION.

Savannah, GA - Nov. 21, 2008 - Once again, Burlington Coat Factory, the retail authority in coats, One Warm Coat, a national nonprofit organization that assists in the donation of free coats, and ABC’s Good Morning America are joining forces to bring warmth to the needy in the greater Savannah area. The Second Annual Warm Hearts & Warm Coats Drive officially kicks off November 24, 2008 and runs through January 16, 2009. Coats collected will be distributed free of charge to children and adults in local communities.

Anyone wishing to donate coats for men, women, or children can do so in the drop-off box located in the Burlington Coat Factory store at 14045 Abercorn Street. Coats should be in good condition, with working fasteners, and no rips or stains. Donors will receive a receipt for tax purposes.

“Our goal is to ensure that people in need in the local communities in which we have stores will have warm coats this winter. We, along with our partners, are committed to sharing the warmth with the less fortunate during the cold winter months,” said Tila Williams, Store Manager. “We salute One Warm Coat for its dedication to those in need and Good Morning America for its powerful media presence. We are proud to be working alongside them.”

Coats will be distributed to the needy by Old Savannah City Mission in Savannah and the surrounding area.

“Donating one warm coat is a simple and doable way to show those in need that you care,” said Sherri Wood, President of One Warm Coat, “and the generosity of Burlington Coat Factory and Good Morning America is making the process easy for volunteers to do just that. We and the people we serve are grateful.”

The 2007 Warm Coats & Warm Hearts Drive resulted in the collection of more than 175,000 coats for people in need across the country.

For more information or to find a list of Burlington Coat Factory stores, visit www.BurlingtonCoatFactory.com.

About Burlington Coat Factory
Burlington Coat Factory, the retail authority in coats, offers a broad selection of branded quality merchandise at everyday low prices across many product categories, including ladies’ sportswear, menswear, family footwear, children’s clothing, baby furniture and accessories, home décor and gifts, along with the largest selection of coats for the entire family in the nation. The updated Burlington Coat Factory, founded in 1972, has expanded from a single store selling coats to a multi-department retail chain with 406 stores in 44 states and Puerto Rico, predominantly under the “Burlington Coat Factory” name. Bain Capital purchased Burlington Coat Factory in 2006. Additional information can be found at www.BurlingtonCoatFactory.com.

About One Warm Coat
One Warm Coat is a national nonprofit organization that assists in the donation of coats. OWC helps individuals, groups, companies and organizations across the country collect coats and deliver them to local agencies that distribute them free, to people in need.

The organization’s mission is to ensure that anyone who needs a coat has one. Providing this simple, yet vital, need helps people live productive lives year round. Since inception, more than 750,000 coats have been collected and distributed through One Warm Coat activities.

For more information about One Warm Coat, visit: www.onewarmcoat.org/
For more information about sponsorship opportunities, visit: www.onewarmcoat.org/sponsoropportunities2.html

About Good Morning America
ABC News’ Good Morning America is anchored by Diane Sawyer and Robin Roberts. Chris Cuomo is the news anchor and Sam Champion is the weather anchor. The morning news program airs live from 7:00 to 9:00am EST on the ABC Television Network. Jim Murphy is the Senior Executive Producer and Tom Cibrowski is the Executive Producer of ABC News’ Good Morning America.

Media Contacts:
Ann Snortland
One Warm Coat
719-574-9252
ann@Onewarmcoat.org

Audrey Shapiro
Burlington Coat Factory
609.387.7800 x2826
audrey.shapiro@coat.com

Rev. Jim Lewis
Old Savannah City Mission
912 232-1979
Jimlewis@oscm.org
www.oscm.org

The Week of the Day of Great Thanksgiving

Administrator — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 02:22:56 +0000

The signature event of Old Savannah City Mission is happening this week (November 17-22) as always on the Saturday (November 22)prior to Thanksgiving Day. Everything is moving fast and furious around the Mission. Wiley McCrary, “The General” begins smoking turkeys on Tuesday morning and in the early evening volunteers begin pulling the turkeys. This is the first round which will be repeated again and again throughout the week until over 250 turkeys have gone through the process and end up in pans waiting for the big day when 4,000 plus plates of delicious turkey will be served in Forsyth Park or delivered to seniors or special needs folks. For many this will be their special Thanksgiving meal.

Frankly, this is a process with so many details it’s almost impossible to follow. It seems that everyone wants to help. It’s amazing to see the outpouring of goodwill. People want to be a part of the action, a part of the answer. It’s a wonderful experience for all.

Cal…Right is on Right

Administrator — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 18:35:22 +0000

Cal Thomas is not a preacher; however, he proclaimed a powerful call to the Religious Right to repent and refocus in his SMN commentary of November 8, 2008. He effectively argues for conservative Evangelicals to change course. He makes the case that Christ’s Kingdom is not of this world.
In my opinion, Cal makes the case that conservative Evangelicals are disoriented. They have lost their way. They have turned away from the priorities given by Christ and have advanced an agenda of bettering our nation’s values and moral behavior through the political process. While their desire is noble, it creates two problems; priorities are inverted and their efforts in large part depend on inferior resources. Human strength and wisdom are woefully inferior to the power and wisdom from above. This goes counter to the Kingdom directive to seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and negates the promise that all of these things shall be added to you (Matthew 6:33).
To leverage through legislation and political position obfuscates the power of the Gospel. Trusting the directives of the One who established an up-side-down Kingdom in which normal life involves surrender and service can appear risky. However, Christians are called to follow the example of Jesus. He had twelve disciples, not twelve lobbyists.
Nothing has greater impact on the world than to love your enemies, pray for those who persecute you, feed the hungry, clothe the naked, visit those in prison and care for widows and orphans. This does not exclude nor minimize the duties of good citizenship.

Rev. Jim Lewis
Executive Director
Old Savannah City Mission

Religious right: RIP Cal Thomas (Savannah Morning News, Nov. 8, 2008)

Administrator — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 14:32:08 +0000

When Barack Obama takes the oath of office on Jan. 20, 2009, he will do so in the 30th anniversary year of the founding of the so-called Religious Right. Born in 1979 and midwifed by the late Rev. Jerry Falwell, the Religious Right was a reincarnation of previous religious-social movements that sought moral improvement through legislation and court rulings. Those earlier movements — from abolition (successful) to Prohibition (unsuccessful) — had mixed results.
Social movements that relied mainly on political power to enforce a conservative moral code weren’t anywhere near as successful as those that focused on changing hearts. The four religious revivals, from the First Great Awakening in the 1730s and 1740s to the Fourth Great Awakening in the late 1960s and early ’70s, which touched America and instantly transformed millions of Americans (and American culture as a result), are testimony to that.
Thirty years of trying to use government to stop abortion, preserve opposite-sex marriage, improve television and movie content and transform culture into the conservative Evangelical image has failed. The question now becomes: should conservative Christians redouble their efforts, contributing more millions to radio and TV preachers and activists, or would they be wise to try something else?
I opt for trying something else.
Too many conservative Evangelicals have put too much faith in the power of government to transform culture. The futility inherent in such misplaced faith can be demonstrated by asking these activists a simple question: Does the secular left, when it holds power, persuade conservatives to live by their standards? Of course they do not. Why, then, would conservative Evangelicals expect people who do not share their worldview and view of God to accept their beliefs when they control government?
Too many conservative Evangelicals mistake political power for influence. Politicians who struggle with imposing a moral code on themselves are unlikely to succeed in their attempts to impose it on others. What is the answer, then, for conservative Evangelicals who are rightly concerned about the corrosion of culture, the indifference to the value of human life and the living arrangements of same- and opposite-sex couples?
The answer depends on the response to another question: do conservative Evangelicals want to feel good, or do they want to adopt a strategy that actually produces results? Clearly partisan politics have not achieved their objectives. Do they think they can succeed by committing themselves to 30 more years of the same?
If results are what conservative Evangelicals want, they already have a model. It is contained in the life and commands of Jesus of Nazareth. Suppose millions of conservative Evangelicals engaged in an old and proven type of radical behavior. Suppose they followed the admonition of Jesus to “love your enemies, pray for those who persecute you, feed the hungry, clothe the naked, visit those in prison and care for widows and orphans,” not as ends, as so many liberals do by using government, but as a means of demonstrating God’s love for the whole person in order that people might seek Him?
Such a strategy could be more “transformational” than electing a new president, even the first president of color. But in order to succeed, such a strategy would not be led by charismatic figures, who would raise lots of money, be interviewed on Sunday talk shows, author books and make gobs of money.
God teaches in His Word that His power (if that is what conservative Evangelicals want and not their puny attempts at grabbing earthly power) is made perfect in weakness. He speaks of the tiny mustard seed, the seemingly worthless widow’s mite, of taking the last place at the table and the humbling of one’s self, the washing of feet and similar acts and attitudes; the still, small voice. How did conservative Evangelicals miss this and instead settle for a lesser power, which in reality is no power at all? When did they settle for an inferior “kingdom”?
Evangelicals are at a junction. They can take the path that will lead them to more futility and ineffective attempts to reform culture through government, or they can embrace the far more powerful methods outlined by the One they claim to follow. By following His example, they will decrease, but He will increase. They will get no credit, but they will see results. If conservative Evangelicals choose obscurity and seek to glorify God, they will get much of what they hope for, but can never achieve, in and through politics.

Delicious Smoked Turkey Dinners for Savannah’s Hungry and Homeless

Administrator — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 15:00:05 +0000

4,000(+) Delicious Smoked Turkey Dinners To Be Served at the Mission’s
Eleventh Annual Day of Great Thanksgiving, November 22

For the third consecutive year, Wiley McCrary, owner of Wiley’s Championship BBQ and winner of multi-state awards will lead teams of volunteers in preparation of 250 turkeys for the Mission’s Eleventh Annual Day of Great Thanksgiving scheduled for Saturday, November 22 in Forsyth Park.

Again this year several of Savannah’s finest restaurants and caterers have stepped up to the plate to prepare assigned items on the menu.

Urgently needed: community-minded businesses that are willing to do their part in giving the less fortunate of our friends and neighbors cause to give thanks.

For many people the delicious dinner served on Saturday will be their only Thanksgiving dinner. The Mission is already dealing with a significant increase in people seeking help. No doubt the economic difficulties will push more people than ever to this event.

On Saturday, November 22 from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. 4,000 delicious smoked turkey Thanksgiving dinners will be served free of charge to our community’s neediest citizens. Hundreds of volunteers will have their first face to face encounter with the homeless and hurting of our community. Also, teams of volunteers will deliver 1,000 meals to seniors and those with special needs who are unable to come to Forsyth Park.

This event mirrors much of what we imagine of the First Thanksgiving. Native Americans who had helped Pilgrims survive through difficult times joined them at a table filled with the bountiful provisions of God. In a genuine spirit of unity they enjoyed a meal together and gave thanks to God. This event is open to the community. There is a place at the Thanksgiving table for everyone…those who help and those who need help. For the first time many volunteers will look into the pain-filled eyes of the less fortunate.

If you are interested in volunteering, please call (912) 232-1979.

The Old Savannah City Mission is a local 501(c)(3) located at 2414 Bull Street. Again this year the Mission will provide over 100,000 meals and 27,000 nights of shelter. The Mission receives no public funds.

NO ONE SHOULD GO HUNGRY AT THANKSGIVING!

Administrator — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 22:19:51 +0000

This Thanksgiving season, around our table there will be some desperate people – out of a job, out of money, some having their first Thanksgiving on the streets. They will need help with work skills, so they can find jobs.

A few will be tough and wary, and many will have a distant, hopeless look in their eyes. For these people, real change will have to start on the inside.

Others will be running from their problems. But running won’t help – spiritual renewal and the programs of recovery and rehabilitation that your support helps provide will!

Regardless of their need, all will be offered a hearty, traditional Thanksgiving meal – thanks to you! Often the Day of Great Thanksgiving meal, served in love by eager volunteers, offers the first step in helping someone take the first step in dealing with an addiction or having hope to find a job or to get training to land a job.

Please help provide this first step by making a Thanksgiving gift to help feed the hungry and homeless during the holidays and throughout the year.

FYI: Old Savannah City Mission

Administrator — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 21:15:50 +0000

1. The Name of the Mission. “Old Savannah City Mission”

2. Our vision: “To be Savannah’s Five Star Gospel Rescue Mission”

3. Our commitment: “To have high standards, strong boundaries, clear direction”

4. Our Mission: “To proclaim the Gospel, To feed the hungry, To shelter the homeless, To rehabilitate the addict and
To restore the ex-offender

5. Old Savannah City Mission is privately funded. We accept no public funds.

6. People of good will support the Mission, a non-profit charity. All gifts are tax deductible as allowed by law.

7. Response to direct mail is a primary source of revenue.

8. Old Savannah City Mission is a Savannah based 501(c)(3).

9. Old Savannah City Mission is trans-denominational. It is based on the Body of Christ in Savannah and the
surrounding area.

10. Old Savannah City Mission does not advocate doctrinal distinctives which fragment the Body of Christ.

11. The Gospel ministry of Old Savannah City Mission is inclusive of all who have a redeeming relationship with Jesus
Christ.

12. Old Savannah City Mission welcomes non-Christians to benefit from all services provided. There is never a charge
for any services.

13. Old Savannah City Mission welcomes non-Christians to serve as volunteers in all areas of service with exception of
areas directly related to teaching and preaching ministry of the Word.

14. Old Savannah City Mission is a member of the Association of Gospel Rescue Mission (AGRM.org).

15. Old Savannah City Mission’s recovery/transition program is called the Urban Training Institute (UTI) and is based on
an adult education paradigm. Those enrolled are students, not program members.

16. Old Savannah City Mission’s Urban Training Institute has three divisions.

A. Clean Start is a one year residential program for those who struggle with substance abuse.

B. Fresh Start is a one year transitional program for those who while incarcerated come to faith in Christ and genuinely desire a
fresh start in life.
C. Work Start is a six month program open to believers who are clean and sober. Applicants must be employed, yet homeless.

17. All divisions of UTI have zero tolerance for drugs, alcohol, tobacco, violence and or threat of violence.

18. Applicants to UTI are assessed over the course of 30 days. Clean Start applicants must be “mature in their misery.”

19. Enrollment in UTI is intended to result in surrender to Christ through the new birth.

20. Upon completion of UTI students are celebrated in a formal graduation.

NO LONGER $1.79…NOW $2.05

Administrator — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 20:56:48 +0000

Since the birth of Old Savannah City Mission in 1997, we have provided hundred of thousands of meals. We calculated their costs at $1.79. So many faithful donors have given with that cost in mind. Now reality requires us to increase our costs to $2.05 per meal.

Please remember, Old Savannah City Mission is privately funded. It does not request or receive any public funds. It depends upon people of goodwill who genuinely care about the less fortunate right here in our community. Increasing numbers of people are coming to the Mission for help. Everyone is facing economic challenges. It’s a serious challenge for the Mission, especially during this season of the year. The Mission must ramp up its fund raising efforts. Since May donations have been decreasing in sync with the increasing need for services.

Reverend Jim Lewis is strongly encouraging people of goodwill to step up to the plate NOW and help the Mission feed the hungry and homeless in our community. Here’s what your donation can do:

$22.50 will provide 10 meals
$41.00 will provide 20 meals
$65.50 will provide 30 meals
$82.00 will provide 40 meals
$102.50 will provide 50 meals
$205.00 will provide 100 meals
$410.00 will provide 200 meals

WTOC TV Report

Administrator — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 00:01:07 +0000

On Wednesday, September 24, 2008 WTOC reported on the impact of fuel prices on Old Savannah Mission. See the report at http://www.wtoc.com/global/story.asp?s=9067834

ATTENTION: URGENT NEED – WONDERFUL OPPORTUNITY

Administrator — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 16:04:34 +0000

Old Savannah City Mission needs the services of a mature Christian woman whose gifts and demeanor match the ministry of RESIDENTIAL MONITOR of its Fresh Start home for ex-offender females. Interested? Do you have a viable testimony? Are you involved in ministry? Will your Pastor give you a strong recommendation?

This position is residential…the monitor lives in the facility. It offers a salary and benefits.

If this opportunity resonates with you, call Mr. Lee. (912) 232-1979. Submit resume, apply and prepare for the interview. This position is open NOW!