If your church or organization is getting ready to head out on a mission trip, your first stop (before you go) should be to see Remnant Project Ministries.
Remnant is an organization that gathers clothes and medical supplies for distribution to those who cannot provide for themselves.
‘The people have a mission and job to do,? said Rev. Dale Olsen, who created Remnant with his wife, Rev. Patty Olsen. ‘They shouldn’t have to spend their time collecting materials.?
‘I get so motivated when I listen to missionaries talk about the world,? he added. ‘The worst here is the best in a lot of places and if we could just keep that in mind, we’d be a whole lot better.?
Remnant was first formed approximately five years ago with a group of volunteers who began collecting, sorting and distributing clothing, and the project has grown to medical supplies being distributed to missionaries, church outreach teams and shipments all over the world.
According to Patty, everything is given away for free, both locally and internationally, and they collect everything from wheelchairs to toys to clothing to personal hygiene products.
‘We gave over 300 coats to homeless in the Detroit and Flint areas,? Patty added, noting they collect winter coats all year round and still never have enough to help everyone in need.
Right now, the pair is looking specifically for donations of sleeping bags and sports balls for a teen camp in India. Patti added they also need more summer clothes for infant through teen ages, and are asking the community to donate their gently worn clothing.
She also said that they would like more multicultural baby dolls and toys.
‘It really means a lot to a little girl to have one,? Patty added.
As Remnant has continued to collect donations, they have grown to multiple locations where to sort and store the items. Boxes are still stacked to the ceiling, but Patty said the items come in and go out just as quickly.
‘It really changes your perspective of life,? she added. ‘You never know when you might need help.?
The couple, who has lived in Lake Orion for over 20 years, feels blessed to be able to give back to people in their community, their state and around the world.
‘The older I get the more I realize how short life can be,? Dale said. ‘God has called us to serve and I’ve only got so many years here to do this.?
‘Disaster doesn’t know no bounds. It doesn’t separate who it hurts,? he added. ‘Disaster doesn’t segregate people. Hurting people in need are just hurt people in need.?
As people take part in their spring-cleaning, Patty encourages them to keep Remnant in mind for donating their gently used items.
Remnant has a drop-off at the Ehman Center on Elizabeth Street, and according to Patty, donations can be dropped off anytime at the drop-off box, or for those who want a tax receipt, they can visit Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and are asked to call (248)765-2233 first.
Churches or organizations getting ready to depart on mission trips are also encouraged to contact Remnant Project Ministries for supplies. More information can be found online at www.remnantprojectministries.org.