MANCHESTER, NH — Children’s toys, hats, scarves, mittens, toiletries thermal T-shirts and sneakers were among the items made available to about 300 people as part of the sixth annual day of giving, hosted Saturday by Harmony Home Ministry at the First Baptist Church on Union Street.
Called Merry Christmas 2019, people arrived at the church at 10:30 a.m. to receive a ticket that would allow them to select items for themselves and their families, and eat lunch. Volunteers accompanied each shopper along a route of tables piled high with new items.
First up, though, was an hour-long Christmas service, followed by the selection of Santa hats, some with blinking lights, and necklaces, some beaded, some a string of Christmas lights, adding a festive touch to the event.
Then it was into the sanctuary to wait for their number to be called and the shopping to begin.
Robert E. Pringle, 76, was looking for items for his three grandchildren, ages 3 to 12.
“They grow too fast,” he said. “They’re getting too big.” They’re always wanting to go to Burger King but he can’t afford it.
“When did fast food become so expensive?” he asked.
This was his first time at the event. As he made his way through the line, he settled on a pair of camouflaged gloves.
Destiny Schunemann, 20, and Tony Greene, 22, brought their 5-month-old daughter Camielya Greene to the event to find presents for her. Greene selected a book he could read to his little one, and a Sponge Bob truck.
Collecting tickets at the door was Donnie Tyler, 59, of Loveland, Colo., the Gateway to the Rockies. Decked out in his blinking Christmas lights, Tyler said he used to work in the ministry with Henry Demers, founder and president of Harmony Home Ministry. He said he still works in ministry helping battered women in Colorado but he wanted to return to Manchester to help out with the annual event.
Demers founded the event six years ago. Saturday’s event came about with the involvement of more than 50 churches of different denominations, other organizations and individuals. Each church or group is assigned one new item to collect and contribute for distribution to those in need.
“We set aside our differences for a day to do more good together then we do alone,” he said.
Among the items to be selected were also gift cards to Dunkin’ Donuts and Subway. Demers said gift cards to restaurants are a particularly good way to help the homeless because they provide them a place to go for shelter and a sense of community.
Demers, an ordained minister, and his wife Connie opened Harmony Home at 222 Cedar St. about 3-½ years ago as a program to help the homeless and those suffering from addiction.
“It’s a day program for the homeless,” he said. “During the day we feed them lunch, given them toiletries and clothing.”
He said his ministry has sent more than 70 people each year to Christian 28-day rehab programs in California and Maine. He believes people suffering from addiction can only find sobriety by keeping away from the place where they obtain their drugs.
“It’s very successful,” he said. “The key is going away long enough and far away enough.”
People in need of a meal, a shower or some compassion are welcome at Harmony Home Mon., Tues. and Thursday between 1-4 p.m., or by appointment. For more information contact Demers at henry@harmonyhomeministry.org.
