In 2008, Epworth United Methodist Church in Toledo began a furniture ministry dedicated to distributing donated furnishings and household goods to families in need. Two local teens began serving in this ministry at its beginning and continue their service years later.
Both Alexa Wasylkowski and Tyler Norris are high school juniors; Alexa at Addison High School in Addison, MI, and Tyler at St. John’s Jesuit High School. Alexa typically volunteers at the monthly furniture distribution on Saturdays, where she acts as a personal shopper. Tyler goes with other volunteers to pick up donated furniture to bring to the church’s warehouse.
Alexa, who is active in Girl Scouts and Epworth’s youth group, started volunteering at the furniture ministry with her family. Since clients are families moving out of transitional housing to their own space, Alexa knows that she’s working to make these new spaces home.
“They’re walking into blank apartments,” Alexa said. “I can help change that.” She walks clients through the warehouse and often climbs up on the racks to help find that special piece.
Tyler is also active in Epworth’s youth group and Boy Scouts. At the furniture ministry, he helps keep the warehouse organized and picks up donated furniture. He helps both the client and donor families by taking what isn’t needed by one family and making it available to another.
“I like helping people,” Tyler said. “And I can say I’ve been with the furniture ministry since it started.”
For more information, visit epworth.com
or call 419-531-4236.
