By Lola Hoxter

The Mother's Day Focus Team at Sharon Temple Seventh-day Church, under the leadership of Pastor Jimmy Ferguson, extended their celebration to include outreach efforts. They collaborated with Sharon Temple Adventist School and Sharon Temple Child Care Learning Center to honor parents of children. They also paid tribute in memory of one of their own, Shirley Pritchett, who was a dedicated Sharon Temple member before joining Mt. Zion Miracle Station Seventh-day Adventist Church. Their efforts serve as an inspiration to those seeking to make a positive impact in their community. In addition, the Focus team contacted Friendship House Empowerment Center to inquire about their needs and received a list of essential items to help their organization.

Friendship House is an excellent organization dedicated to helping those in need. It provides a safe space for homeless men, a refuge for women with children, and support for parents facing financial difficulties. Friendship House collaborates with various organizations throughout New Castle County to provide collaborative support. The organization is committed to helping individuals on their journey and will stand by them for as long as needed. Anyone who requires assistance can count on Friendship House to offer its support and open its heart.

Despite postponing the Mother's Day Celebration, the community's generous and compassionate spirit was evident as donations continued to pour in.  

Thanks to the generosity of several organizations, including Employees of Chubb USA Insurance Company Wilmington, Hope Hicks of HandsofHope4U, Darniece Hampton of Hampton Enterprises, Ernest “Trippi” Congo, II President of Wilmington City Council, Stacy Edney of Safe Space Counseling & Consulting Company, Audrey Scott-Hynson of Ascott Enterprises LLC, Violese Jackson-Brown, and members of Sharon Temple Seventh-day Adventist Church, this team was able to donate over 1,400  necessary items to this organization. Each year, we want to honor Shirley Pritchett's memory of donating her time and talents to Friendship House by fulfilling our responsibility to donate to one of Wilmington's many Friendship House affiliates. Shirley was a beautiful person who strongly believed in treating everyone with kindness and respect. We can keep part of her legacy alive and make a meaningful difference by contributing yearly.

We were welcomed by Carey, Tyler, and Cassie as soon as we arrived, who greeted us with warm and friendly smiles. To our surprise, one client even offered to lend a hand and help us with the boxes. We are beyond grateful to Reynold Hicks for his exceptional generosity in donating his time, incredible photography skills, and striking red truck, making our task much more accessible and enjoyable. We would also like to take a moment to express our sincere appreciation to Tyron Adlam for being punctual and lending us a helping hand in the early stages. It was manageable with their kind and generous assistance, as most boxes were heavy.

It is impossible to overstate the significance of these donations in enabling this organization to offer a secure and hospitable setting for homeless people and aid them in reintegrating into society. The kindness and compassion displayed by these donors exemplify the power of creating positive change in the lives of those in need, and the Friendship House can continue its mission thanks to their generosity.

Furthermore, the team expressed gratitude and paid tribute to the mothers of the Sharon Temple Elementary School and Sharon Temple Childcare Learning Center by presenting them with a beautiful gift to commemorate the significant event of Mother's Day. 

The Focus team includes a determined group of individuals: Tiffany Showells, Hope Hicks, and Lola Hoxter.  Support Team: Darniece Hampton, Gertrena Hoxter, Robin Collins, and Kim Allen. We express our deepest gratitude to the Friendship House team and our partners. Your commitment to supporting the community is truly remarkable.