Bridge Ministry of Burton Texas - December 2022 News
November 28, 2022
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Bridge Ministry of Burton Texas
December 2022 Newsletter
Our mission is to build a bridge between racial, cultural, educational, and economic divisions within the community.
December Message From the Board of Directors
December is the month when we celebrate the birth of Jesus of Nazareth. Throughout 2022 we have seen Jesus Christ working in our community. Often it is a “just in time” volunteer who finds a way to provide needed help to a neighbor. It has also been a “just in time” monetary donation or a free space where we can sell furniture. The theme of our capital campaign, Growing with God’s Grace, tells our story and credits our works to Jesus Christ who makes all things possible.
Over the year we shared our joys and successes with you. This month, we recognize God’s footprints carrying us when we look back. In that spirit, we wish you the peace and comfort that comes from knowing that the birth of Jesus assured us that we are never alone. Merry Christmas.
Bill Comiskey, Treasurer
Barbara Donnelly, Secretary
Ivenus Garcia
Carol Gaskamp
Madeline Johnson, President
Gary Rothermel
Pastor Marcus Snowden, Vice President
Bridge Ministry of Burton Texas • 601 North Main or by mail at P.O. Box 68, Burton, Texas 77835
burtonbridgeministry.org • burtonbridgeministry@gmail.com • 979-337-3370
Planning For the Future
Bridge Ministry of Burton Texas has been blessed over the past 12 years. Through our relationships with partner churches as well as the support of volunteers and our community, we have been able to make a difference. We serve hot meals to senior citizens and deliver them to the homebound; we provide affordable clothing, home goods, furniture and appliances through our thrift store and furniture ministry; we operate a food pantry that is open 32 hours a month; we perform minor home repairs; we offer job and career services; and we program a Bible-based summer day camp for children.
Early on in our formation, our church leaders had called on us to develop a health care ministry. God is good, and that need will be fulfilled through a partnership between Burton I.S.D. and Texas A&M University. The Texas A&M School of Nursing secured a $4 million grant for the next four years; the mobile clinic will serve students and the public one day a week. The goal is for the clinic to become self-sustaining within four years and then consider a permanent facility.
An earlier version of our strategic plan identified a need for after school programs for students, as well as for preschoolers. In 2008, Boys & Girls Club of Washington County opened a unit in Burton for after school programming, and expanded to offer a full summer program in 2018. Burton I.S.D. now has a preschool program for children who qualify through age, income or language.
Beginning in 2023, we will be hosting a series of focus groups so that we can better align our efforts with the greatest needs. These meetings will take place at some of our partner churches, as well as in rural areas where there are large populations of the underserved.
We already know that transportation is a large problem. We have employers who have difficulty filling positions, yet the cost of living is high within the City of Burton. We have underemployed neighbors along Hancock Lane, Eberhardt, Edgewater, Bredthauer and Sandtown who want to work, but lack a way to get to economic opportunities downtown.
We are currently exploring transportation alternatives for our clients. It could be finding a way for a church or school to run a circular bus route along FM 1697, FM 2780, FM 594 and FM 1948, culminating in downtown Burton. Another option would be if Capital Area Rural Transportation System could expand its CARTS bus service to Washington County; they already take folks from Fayette and Lee Counties to Brenham on the first and third Wednesdays. There is also the option of underwriting demand and response rides for critical appointments through Brazos Transit District. Even a bike share program like Houston BCycle would help; the new e-bikes with pedal assist would make easy work of a 20-mile round-trip commute.
Bridge Ministry of Burton Texas is on its own journey, and our five-year strategic plan will be adjusted next year after we hear from our clients and churches through our focus groups. You are a big part of our success, and we thank you.
Through God’s presence working within us we are being healed, transformed, reconciled and made whole.
To our neighbors, friends, church partners, volunteers and clients, we would like to wish each and every one of you a very merry Christmas. During this season, we will be celebrating hope, peace, love and joy; we pray that all four of these would fill your life in every way this Christmas and beyond.
December 2nd Wreath-making Activity for Senior Citizens
Deck the halls with boughs of holly
Senior citizens (55+) are invited to come make hand-crafted Christmas wreaths with Burton Bridge Ministry on Friday, December 2 from 10 a.m. ‘til noon at St. John’s UCC, 516 North Colorado.
Fa la la la, la la la!
All supplies will be provided for this free activity, and the wreath is yours to take home.
‘Tis the season to be jolly
Bring a friend and share the joy.
Fa la la la, la la la!
Stay after for lunch ($4); we’re serving King Ranch casserole, salad and bread (from On Deck).
Business Center Now Open
We’ll never be stiff competition for FedEx Office or Kwik Kopy, but our new business center at 601 North Main comes in pretty handy for the town of Burton.
Job-seekers can come in and borrow a computer to create a resume, look for a job, or gain training through workintexas.com. We have a dedicated printer for printing cover letters and resumes.
While here, visit our “Dress for Success” clothing racks for interview-quality garments for men and women.
Our business center is available when our administrative office is open.
Assistance for Rent, Mortgage and Utilities
Faith Mission remains the primary agency for Washington County residents seeking financial assistance with rent, mortgage or utility bills. The County Judge has asked that the Brenham-based agency receive the majority of grant funds administered through the United Way of Brazos Valley.
Bridge Ministry of Burton Texas did receive limited funding through the Emergency Food and Shelter Program (Phase 39) and the American Rescue Plan Act. These funds can be used for qualifying Burton residents who need assistance with rent, mortgage or utilities. The funds must be spent by December 31, 2022.
Brenham residents seeking financial assistance should contact Faith Mission at faithmission.us or 979-830-1488.
New Year, New Hours
We’ve only been officing back at 601 North Main since March, and operating a Client Choice Pantry since April, and it already feels like home. But we’ve noticed that many of our clients like to shop on Saturdays, while other days get less traffic. So beginning January 1, 2023, we will have new schedules for both our administrative office and pantry.
Information about our 2023 hours will be published in the January newsletter.
Holiday closures: Our administrative office and pantry will be closed on December 24 and December 31.
Administrative Office
2022 Days and Hours of Operation:
Monday 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Wednesday 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Thursday 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m. - Noon
We will be closed on major holidays.
Client Choice Pantry
Serving Washington County
2022 Days and Hours of Operation:
Monday 10 a.m. - Noon
Tuesday 10 a.m. - Noon
Wednesday 3 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m. - Noon
We will be closed on major holidays.
KBTX Food for Families Food Drive
Washington County is again partnering with the KBTX Food for Families Food Drive, helping to collect nonperishable foods and monetary donations for counties served by the Brazos Valley Food Bank.
Bridge Ministry of Burton Texas is providing volunteers on Wednesday, December 7 from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Washington County Expo, 1305 East Blue Bell (Brenham). Canned goods and financial donations collected at the Washington County Expo will stay within Washington County.
Did you know that approximately 4,500 residents within Washington County are food insecure? That means almost 13% of our neighbors don’t have reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food.
If you’re able to help out for a shift on December 7th, please contact Volunteer Coordinator Velta Clifton at 830-998-5366 or email burtonbridgeoffice@gmail.com. This is a great opportunity for a Scout Troop or school class.
Those living in Burton can bring their canned goods to our Client Choice Pantry (601 North Main), with instructions that they are for the KBTX event, and we will take those donations with us to the Expo on December 7th.
Holiday Shopping
December 1-3:
Save 50% on clothing and jewelry.
December 8-10:
Save 50% on shoes, purses and holiday ornaments.
December 15-17:
Save 50% on ALL Christmas decor.
December 17:
Complimentary punch and cookies on our last retail day of the year.
Celebrating 10 Years!
All month:
Celebrate our tenth anniversary with special savings on tin, aluminum and metallic decor.
December 18 through January 4:
We will be closed during this period so that our volunteers can spend time with their families.
The Corner Shoppe
307 North Brazos, Burton
Open 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Thursdays-Saturdays
979-289-2223
Facebook.com/burtoncornershoppe
Furniture Sales
Don’t forget that we also sell larger pieces of furniture through Facebook Marketplace. Look for Burton and if the seller is board member Barbara Donnelly then you’ve found our virtual store.
We’re on the hunt for a 1,000 to 2,000 s.f. building in or around the Burton area. It doesn’t have to be climate-controlled, and it would help with storing our furniture and appliance donations.
Contact Barbara Donnelly at 281-686-4822 or barbarajodonnelly@gmail.com.
Senior Fellowship and Meal
We welcome anybody 55 and older to join us most Fridays for the Senior Fellowship and Meal. No reservations are necessary for dine-in service, and the recommended donation is $4.
Where: St. John’s UCC, Family Life Center, 516 N. Colorado
When: Fellowship and games from 10 a.m. until noon
Bingo at 11 a.m.
Lunch is served at noon
Upcoming Menus:
Dec. 2: King Ranch casserole, salad, bread (catered by On Deck). Come early and make Christmas wreaths with us at 10 a.m. (See “Wreath-making Activity for Senior Citizens” story for details.)
Dec. 9: Taco lasagna, Mexican corn, chips (catered by White Horse Tavern)
Dec. 16: Pork roast, buttered red potatoes, broccoli, dinner rolls
Dec. 23 & 30: No meals on these dates.
If you want a “to go” meal, call 979-337-3370 no later than the Tuesday before Friday. We suggest you arrive at 12:10 p.m. to pick up your meal.
If you’re 55+ or have health issues that require you to stay home, let one of our volunteers deliver a hot meal to you each Friday at no charge. Call Taylor Whittaker at 979-337-3370 for more information. Our delivery area is limited to Burton.
Get Connected With Social Services
On Tuesday, December 20 from 9:30-11:30 a.m., a representative from the Brazos Valley Food Bank will be on site at 601 N. Main to provide no cost application assistance for social services. Call our office at 979-337-3370 for details.
Our Partner Churches:
Bethany Christian Church
Christway Temple
Full Gospel Baptist Church
First Baptist Burton
Greenvine Baptist Church
Greenvine Emmanuel Lutheran Church
Hollow Springs Baptist Church
St. John’s United Church of Christ
St. Mary’s Missionary Baptist Church
St. Paul Lutheran Church of Rehburg
Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church
Zion Hill Baptist Church
Zion Lutheran Church
Growing With God’s Grace Capital Campaign
Phase II Fundraising
At the end of October, we invited homeowners and volunteers in Washington County to prayerfully consider an end-of-year donation to our capital campaign.
Thank you so much for sharing our dream for a better future! We have been blessed to receive financial support from folks in Burton, Brenham, Chappell Hill and Carmine, as well as from several Houston addresses. It is nice to know that our weekend neighbors also recognize our efforts within the community.
If you did not receive our letter, please contact our office at 979-337-3370 and we will mail you an information packet.
To donate to our Growing With God’s Grace capital campaign, make checks payable to Bridge Ministry of Burton Texas and mail to P.O. Box 68, Burton, Texas 77835. Or donate online at https://www.gofundme.com/f/growing-with-gods-grace-capital-campaign.
In additional to financial donations, we also are requesting gifts in kind for construction needs: dirt work, concrete, metal building, architectural facades, insulation, HVAC, plumbing or electrical infrastructure, flooring, and lighting.
Construction Update
The building subcommittee has met about our construction project. We are grateful for those who are serving:
Mickie Angerame
Heather Blakey
Barbara Donnelly
Bev Houston
Jerry Martin
Paul McLaughlin
Gary Rothermel
Susie Tommaney
Tom Whitesides
The Board of Directors has been prayerfully evaluating our growth plan, and we are exploring adding a 1,800 s.f. building behind our thrift store so that we can better serve our clients and customers with affordable home furnishings and appliances.
We have selected Gessner Engineering for the concrete foundation plans, and Blake Emmett for our civil engineering needs.
We will continue to update you on Phase II of our Growing With God’s Grace capital campaign efforts.
Pantry News
Grant Funding
Bridge Ministry of Burton Texas applied for and was awarded $28,057.53 in funding through the Brazos Valley Food Bank’s Agency Capacity Grant.
The funds are being used to install four additional convertible appliances that can toggle between refrigerator and freezer. This additional cooling capacity will allow us to distribute even more fresh and seasonal fruits and vegetables.
We also are installing a generator to prevent loss of product during a power outage. The remainder of the funds will be spent on enhancing our electrical infrastructure and installing dedicated outlets for each appliance.
We are grateful to the Brazos Valley Food Bank for this generous award.
Who We Serve
While Burton Bridge Ministry’s services are devoted to the Burton area, our Client Choice Pantry serves all of Washington County, including those who live in Carmine, Brenham, Chappell Hill and Washington. Some pantries elect to serve only the residents of their town, or only those who live within their school district, but that would be difficult for us geographically. About a third of the students who attend Burton I.S.D. are from outside the district.
Our numbers grow each month and, at the end of October 2022, we were serving 253 unique individuals from 97 families. Twenty percent of our clients are over the age of 65, and another 38% are between ages 0 and 17.
Variety is the Spice of Life
We purchase the food that is distributed through our pantry. It is sourced through the Brazos Valley Food Bank and we benefit from wholesale pricing.
Unfortunately, we were not able to offer turkeys this year because of industry shortages that resulted from the Avian flu, as well as the higher cost of proteins due to supply chain and global events.
Another factor that limits our selections in the pantry revolves around TEFAP, or The Emergency Food Assistance Program. The federal program was helping to supplement the diets of low-income Americans by providing them with emergency food assistance at no cost. However, many of the programs that began during the pandemic are now ending and are not expected to return.
These circumstances affect us because the BVFB agency portal has limited selections when we place our orders.
That’s why, now more than ever, we continue to depend on your donations of canned goods and nonperishables to help fill out our pantry shelves.
September, October and November: Advent Bundles
Over the past three months our partner churches, Scouts and the school have been collecting premium nonperishables for our Advent bundles. We are distributing these bags of flour, sugar, spices and condiments to our pantry clients during the month of December. These are items not generally found on our pantry shelves and are very much appreciated.
To arrange for the pick-up of Advent bundles, please contact our office at 979-337-3370.
December and January: Cleaning Supplies and Hygiene Products
During December and January we are asking for donations of cleaning products for our pantry clients: dish soap, toilet bowl cleaner, spray cleaner with bleach, sponges, cleaning brush, wet wipes, boxes of powdered laundry detergent (we will repackage in baggies and label with washing instructions).
We also have received specific requests for feminine hygiene products.
February: Souper Bowl of Caring and Socks
During the month of February we’re asking for donations of canned soup. Favorites include chicken noodle soup, tomato soup, and any of the cream-based flavors: cream of mushroom, chicken, celery, asparagus, bacon, and broccoli.
We’re also hoping to receive new socks for men, women, boys, girls and infants.
Washington County Toys for Tots
Thank you to area businesses and members of our partner churches who were able to grab a gender/age tag from our ornament tree and purchase a new, unwrapped gift for a child. We will arrange to pick up the toys from our partner churches after Sunday, December 4.
For families who need a little help with toys this year, the last day to sign up is Friday, December 2. Qualifying families should hand the registration form to their child’s teacher.
If your children are not yet in school, yet you still need assistance, please call our office at 979-337-3370.
Brenham area families will pick up their toys from the Fireman’s Training Center in Brenham on Thursday, December 15 from 4-7 p.m. Burton area families will pick up their toys from our administrative office at 601 North Main on December 15 from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.
Volunteer Opportunities
¿Te encanta el servicio al cliente? Estamos buscando voluntarios que hablen español para ayudar a saludar a los compradores en The Corner Shoppe, de jueves a sábado.
We are looking for a few people to help lead or facilitate one of our focus groups next year. Our goal is to identify the greatest needs within our community so that we can realign our efforts.
If you have basic construction skills, we are looking for somebody to lead our Helping Hands Ministry. Once low income homeowners place a request for minor home repairs, your job will be to identify the scope of the problem, establish a materials budget, and lead a team of volunteers.
All great events begin with a solid plan, and that’s where you come in. If you’ve got the gift for event-planning, from catering to centerpieces and everything in between, then please consider serving as our Community Chair.
For more information or to volunteer, please contact Volunteer Coordinator Velta Clifton at 830-998-5366 or email burtonbridgeoffice@gmail.com.
December 2022 Newsletter
Our mission is to build a bridge between racial, cultural, educational, and economic divisions within the community.
December Message From the Board of Directors
December is the month when we celebrate the birth of Jesus of Nazareth. Throughout 2022 we have seen Jesus Christ working in our community. Often it is a “just in time” volunteer who finds a way to provide needed help to a neighbor. It has also been a “just in time” monetary donation or a free space where we can sell furniture. The theme of our capital campaign, Growing with God’s Grace, tells our story and credits our works to Jesus Christ who makes all things possible.
Over the year we shared our joys and successes with you. This month, we recognize God’s footprints carrying us when we look back. In that spirit, we wish you the peace and comfort that comes from knowing that the birth of Jesus assured us that we are never alone. Merry Christmas.
Bill Comiskey, Treasurer
Barbara Donnelly, Secretary
Ivenus Garcia
Carol Gaskamp
Madeline Johnson, President
Gary Rothermel
Pastor Marcus Snowden, Vice President
burtonbridgeministry.org • burtonbridgeministry@gmail.com • 979-337-3370
Bridge Ministry of Burton Texas has been blessed over the past 12 years. Through our relationships with partner churches as well as the support of volunteers and our community, we have been able to make a difference. We serve hot meals to senior citizens and deliver them to the homebound; we provide affordable clothing, home goods, furniture and appliances through our thrift store and furniture ministry; we operate a food pantry that is open 32 hours a month; we perform minor home repairs; we offer job and career services; and we program a Bible-based summer day camp for children.
Early on in our formation, our church leaders had called on us to develop a health care ministry. God is good, and that need will be fulfilled through a partnership between Burton I.S.D. and Texas A&M University. The Texas A&M School of Nursing secured a $4 million grant for the next four years; the mobile clinic will serve students and the public one day a week. The goal is for the clinic to become self-sustaining within four years and then consider a permanent facility.
An earlier version of our strategic plan identified a need for after school programs for students, as well as for preschoolers. In 2008, Boys & Girls Club of Washington County opened a unit in Burton for after school programming, and expanded to offer a full summer program in 2018. Burton I.S.D. now has a preschool program for children who qualify through age, income or language.
Beginning in 2023, we will be hosting a series of focus groups so that we can better align our efforts with the greatest needs. These meetings will take place at some of our partner churches, as well as in rural areas where there are large populations of the underserved.
We already know that transportation is a large problem. We have employers who have difficulty filling positions, yet the cost of living is high within the City of Burton. We have underemployed neighbors along Hancock Lane, Eberhardt, Edgewater, Bredthauer and Sandtown who want to work, but lack a way to get to economic opportunities downtown.
We are currently exploring transportation alternatives for our clients. It could be finding a way for a church or school to run a circular bus route along FM 1697, FM 2780, FM 594 and FM 1948, culminating in downtown Burton. Another option would be if Capital Area Rural Transportation System could expand its CARTS bus service to Washington County; they already take folks from Fayette and Lee Counties to Brenham on the first and third Wednesdays. There is also the option of underwriting demand and response rides for critical appointments through Brazos Transit District. Even a bike share program like Houston BCycle would help; the new e-bikes with pedal assist would make easy work of a 20-mile round-trip commute.
Bridge Ministry of Burton Texas is on its own journey, and our five-year strategic plan will be adjusted next year after we hear from our clients and churches through our focus groups. You are a big part of our success, and we thank you.
Through God’s presence working within us we are being healed, transformed, reconciled and made whole.
To our neighbors, friends, church partners, volunteers and clients, we would like to wish each and every one of you a very merry Christmas. During this season, we will be celebrating hope, peace, love and joy; we pray that all four of these would fill your life in every way this Christmas and beyond.
December 2nd Wreath-making Activity for Senior Citizens
Deck the halls with boughs of holly
Senior citizens (55+) are invited to come make hand-crafted Christmas wreaths with Burton Bridge Ministry on Friday, December 2 from 10 a.m. ‘til noon at St. John’s UCC, 516 North Colorado.
Fa la la la, la la la!
All supplies will be provided for this free activity, and the wreath is yours to take home.
‘Tis the season to be jolly
Bring a friend and share the joy.
Fa la la la, la la la!
Stay after for lunch ($4); we’re serving King Ranch casserole, salad and bread (from On Deck).
We’ll never be stiff competition for FedEx Office or Kwik Kopy, but our new business center at 601 North Main comes in pretty handy for the town of Burton.
Job-seekers can come in and borrow a computer to create a resume, look for a job, or gain training through workintexas.com. We have a dedicated printer for printing cover letters and resumes.
While here, visit our “Dress for Success” clothing racks for interview-quality garments for men and women.
Our business center is available when our administrative office is open.
Faith Mission remains the primary agency for Washington County residents seeking financial assistance with rent, mortgage or utility bills. The County Judge has asked that the Brenham-based agency receive the majority of grant funds administered through the United Way of Brazos Valley.
Bridge Ministry of Burton Texas did receive limited funding through the Emergency Food and Shelter Program (Phase 39) and the American Rescue Plan Act. These funds can be used for qualifying Burton residents who need assistance with rent, mortgage or utilities. The funds must be spent by December 31, 2022.
Brenham residents seeking financial assistance should contact Faith Mission at faithmission.us or 979-830-1488.
We’ve only been officing back at 601 North Main since March, and operating a Client Choice Pantry since April, and it already feels like home. But we’ve noticed that many of our clients like to shop on Saturdays, while other days get less traffic. So beginning January 1, 2023, we will have new schedules for both our administrative office and pantry.
Information about our 2023 hours will be published in the January newsletter.
Holiday closures: Our administrative office and pantry will be closed on December 24 and December 31.
Administrative Office
2022 Days and Hours of Operation:
Monday 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Wednesday 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Thursday 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m. - Noon
We will be closed on major holidays.
Client Choice Pantry
Serving Washington County
2022 Days and Hours of Operation:
Monday 10 a.m. - Noon
Tuesday 10 a.m. - Noon
Wednesday 3 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m. - Noon
We will be closed on major holidays.
Washington County is again partnering with the KBTX Food for Families Food Drive, helping to collect nonperishable foods and monetary donations for counties served by the Brazos Valley Food Bank.
Bridge Ministry of Burton Texas is providing volunteers on Wednesday, December 7 from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Washington County Expo, 1305 East Blue Bell (Brenham). Canned goods and financial donations collected at the Washington County Expo will stay within Washington County.
Did you know that approximately 4,500 residents within Washington County are food insecure? That means almost 13% of our neighbors don’t have reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food.
If you’re able to help out for a shift on December 7th, please contact Volunteer Coordinator Velta Clifton at 830-998-5366 or email burtonbridgeoffice@gmail.com. This is a great opportunity for a Scout Troop or school class.
Those living in Burton can bring their canned goods to our Client Choice Pantry (601 North Main), with instructions that they are for the KBTX event, and we will take those donations with us to the Expo on December 7th.
Holiday Shopping
December 1-3:
Save 50% on clothing and jewelry.
December 8-10:
Save 50% on shoes, purses and holiday ornaments.
December 15-17:
Save 50% on ALL Christmas decor.
December 17:
Complimentary punch and cookies on our last retail day of the year.
Celebrating 10 Years!
All month:
Celebrate our tenth anniversary with special savings on tin, aluminum and metallic decor.
December 18 through January 4:
We will be closed during this period so that our volunteers can spend time with their families.
The Corner Shoppe
307 North Brazos, Burton
Open 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Thursdays-Saturdays
979-289-2223
Facebook.com/burtoncornershoppe
Furniture Sales
Don’t forget that we also sell larger pieces of furniture through Facebook Marketplace. Look for Burton and if the seller is board member Barbara Donnelly then you’ve found our virtual store.
We’re on the hunt for a 1,000 to 2,000 s.f. building in or around the Burton area. It doesn’t have to be climate-controlled, and it would help with storing our furniture and appliance donations.
Contact Barbara Donnelly at 281-686-4822 or barbarajodonnelly@gmail.com.
We welcome anybody 55 and older to join us most Fridays for the Senior Fellowship and Meal. No reservations are necessary for dine-in service, and the recommended donation is $4.
Where: St. John’s UCC, Family Life Center, 516 N. Colorado
When: Fellowship and games from 10 a.m. until noon
Bingo at 11 a.m.
Lunch is served at noon
Upcoming Menus:
Dec. 2: King Ranch casserole, salad, bread (catered by On Deck). Come early and make Christmas wreaths with us at 10 a.m. (See “Wreath-making Activity for Senior Citizens” story for details.)
Dec. 9: Taco lasagna, Mexican corn, chips (catered by White Horse Tavern)
Dec. 16: Pork roast, buttered red potatoes, broccoli, dinner rolls
Dec. 23 & 30: No meals on these dates.
If you want a “to go” meal, call 979-337-3370 no later than the Tuesday before Friday. We suggest you arrive at 12:10 p.m. to pick up your meal.
If you’re 55+ or have health issues that require you to stay home, let one of our volunteers deliver a hot meal to you each Friday at no charge. Call Taylor Whittaker at 979-337-3370 for more information. Our delivery area is limited to Burton.
Get Connected With Social Services
On Tuesday, December 20 from 9:30-11:30 a.m., a representative from the Brazos Valley Food Bank will be on site at 601 N. Main to provide no cost application assistance for social services. Call our office at 979-337-3370 for details.
Bethany Christian Church
Christway Temple
Full Gospel Baptist Church
First Baptist Burton
Greenvine Baptist Church
Greenvine Emmanuel Lutheran Church
Hollow Springs Baptist Church
St. John’s United Church of Christ
St. Mary’s Missionary Baptist Church
St. Paul Lutheran Church of Rehburg
Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church
Zion Hill Baptist Church
Zion Lutheran Church
Phase II Fundraising
At the end of October, we invited homeowners and volunteers in Washington County to prayerfully consider an end-of-year donation to our capital campaign.
Thank you so much for sharing our dream for a better future! We have been blessed to receive financial support from folks in Burton, Brenham, Chappell Hill and Carmine, as well as from several Houston addresses. It is nice to know that our weekend neighbors also recognize our efforts within the community.
If you did not receive our letter, please contact our office at 979-337-3370 and we will mail you an information packet.
To donate to our Growing With God’s Grace capital campaign, make checks payable to Bridge Ministry of Burton Texas and mail to P.O. Box 68, Burton, Texas 77835. Or donate online at https://www.gofundme.com/f/growing-with-gods-grace-capital-campaign.
In additional to financial donations, we also are requesting gifts in kind for construction needs: dirt work, concrete, metal building, architectural facades, insulation, HVAC, plumbing or electrical infrastructure, flooring, and lighting.
Construction Update
The building subcommittee has met about our construction project. We are grateful for those who are serving:
Mickie Angerame
Heather Blakey
Barbara Donnelly
Bev Houston
Jerry Martin
Paul McLaughlin
Gary Rothermel
Susie Tommaney
Tom Whitesides
The Board of Directors has been prayerfully evaluating our growth plan, and we are exploring adding a 1,800 s.f. building behind our thrift store so that we can better serve our clients and customers with affordable home furnishings and appliances.
We have selected Gessner Engineering for the concrete foundation plans, and Blake Emmett for our civil engineering needs.
We will continue to update you on Phase II of our Growing With God’s Grace capital campaign efforts.
Grant Funding
Bridge Ministry of Burton Texas applied for and was awarded $28,057.53 in funding through the Brazos Valley Food Bank’s Agency Capacity Grant.
The funds are being used to install four additional convertible appliances that can toggle between refrigerator and freezer. This additional cooling capacity will allow us to distribute even more fresh and seasonal fruits and vegetables.
We also are installing a generator to prevent loss of product during a power outage. The remainder of the funds will be spent on enhancing our electrical infrastructure and installing dedicated outlets for each appliance.
We are grateful to the Brazos Valley Food Bank for this generous award.
Who We Serve
While Burton Bridge Ministry’s services are devoted to the Burton area, our Client Choice Pantry serves all of Washington County, including those who live in Carmine, Brenham, Chappell Hill and Washington. Some pantries elect to serve only the residents of their town, or only those who live within their school district, but that would be difficult for us geographically. About a third of the students who attend Burton I.S.D. are from outside the district.
Our numbers grow each month and, at the end of October 2022, we were serving 253 unique individuals from 97 families. Twenty percent of our clients are over the age of 65, and another 38% are between ages 0 and 17.
Variety is the Spice of Life
We purchase the food that is distributed through our pantry. It is sourced through the Brazos Valley Food Bank and we benefit from wholesale pricing.
Unfortunately, we were not able to offer turkeys this year because of industry shortages that resulted from the Avian flu, as well as the higher cost of proteins due to supply chain and global events.
Another factor that limits our selections in the pantry revolves around TEFAP, or The Emergency Food Assistance Program. The federal program was helping to supplement the diets of low-income Americans by providing them with emergency food assistance at no cost. However, many of the programs that began during the pandemic are now ending and are not expected to return.
These circumstances affect us because the BVFB agency portal has limited selections when we place our orders.
That’s why, now more than ever, we continue to depend on your donations of canned goods and nonperishables to help fill out our pantry shelves.
September, October and November: Advent Bundles
Over the past three months our partner churches, Scouts and the school have been collecting premium nonperishables for our Advent bundles. We are distributing these bags of flour, sugar, spices and condiments to our pantry clients during the month of December. These are items not generally found on our pantry shelves and are very much appreciated.
To arrange for the pick-up of Advent bundles, please contact our office at 979-337-3370.
December and January: Cleaning Supplies and Hygiene Products
During December and January we are asking for donations of cleaning products for our pantry clients: dish soap, toilet bowl cleaner, spray cleaner with bleach, sponges, cleaning brush, wet wipes, boxes of powdered laundry detergent (we will repackage in baggies and label with washing instructions).
We also have received specific requests for feminine hygiene products.
February: Souper Bowl of Caring and Socks
During the month of February we’re asking for donations of canned soup. Favorites include chicken noodle soup, tomato soup, and any of the cream-based flavors: cream of mushroom, chicken, celery, asparagus, bacon, and broccoli.
We’re also hoping to receive new socks for men, women, boys, girls and infants.
Thank you to area businesses and members of our partner churches who were able to grab a gender/age tag from our ornament tree and purchase a new, unwrapped gift for a child. We will arrange to pick up the toys from our partner churches after Sunday, December 4.
For families who need a little help with toys this year, the last day to sign up is Friday, December 2. Qualifying families should hand the registration form to their child’s teacher.
If your children are not yet in school, yet you still need assistance, please call our office at 979-337-3370.
Brenham area families will pick up their toys from the Fireman’s Training Center in Brenham on Thursday, December 15 from 4-7 p.m. Burton area families will pick up their toys from our administrative office at 601 North Main on December 15 from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.
¿Te encanta el servicio al cliente? Estamos buscando voluntarios que hablen español para ayudar a saludar a los compradores en The Corner Shoppe, de jueves a sábado.
We are looking for a few people to help lead or facilitate one of our focus groups next year. Our goal is to identify the greatest needs within our community so that we can realign our efforts.
If you have basic construction skills, we are looking for somebody to lead our Helping Hands Ministry. Once low income homeowners place a request for minor home repairs, your job will be to identify the scope of the problem, establish a materials budget, and lead a team of volunteers.
All great events begin with a solid plan, and that’s where you come in. If you’ve got the gift for event-planning, from catering to centerpieces and everything in between, then please consider serving as our Community Chair.
For more information or to volunteer, please contact Volunteer Coordinator Velta Clifton at 830-998-5366 or email burtonbridgeoffice@gmail.com.
Contact:
Taylor Whittaker, Executive Director
burtonbridgeministry@gmail.com, 979-337-3370
