In 2007 Pat Stacy was inspired by a program she watched on Three Angels Broadcasting Network about a guest's Bags of Love project.
Stacy was impressed to start a branch in her church in Yoncalla, Ore., but told God she was too busy and couldn't afford it. In 2008 the impression came again. “When I told God I didn't have the money, He said, ‘I do’," Stacy recalls. "He told me to stick my foot in the water and see what happens.” So she did. The Yoncalla community contributed $500, and Bags of Love began at the Yoncalla Adventist Church.
There are nearly 20 active members at Yoncalla and more than half work with Bags of Love.
The bags each contain a quilt, a large stuffed animal, personal-care items, toys and other items. The bags are all age and gender appropriate and are delivered to local children's services agencies.
Members gave 86 bags to Douglas County Children's Services in 2008 and 80 bags in 2009. The bags go to children in Douglas County who have been removed from their homes and families and put into foster homes.
If you are interested in starting your own Bags of Love, contact Stacy through the Yoncalla Church at P.O. Box 217, Yoncalla, OR 97499.
From left: Lenoa Stoneman, Merlin Stacy, Patricia Stacy, Donette Meerbergen and Billie Snook prepare Bags of Love for children in Yoncalla, Ore. (Barb Tatom)
