Dear Editor,

There is a little red church in the center of the small town of Nesquehoning that's identified with the clock that sits on top of it. The church's basement is utilized as the monthly food bank, a Wednesday night clothing store, a meeting place for the Boy Scouts, and a host of other activities. One night a month the church hosts a free community dinner as the women serve those who come out to eat there. They have an occasional rummage sale, a Chinese auction, and of course, worship services.All of their outreach services are carried out by a dedicated group of invisible, but resilient women of the church. Although they are small in number, they meet the needs of many people. No one has ever been turned away from receiving food, clothing, and other necessities from them. Their motto is "open heart, open door."These women have a heart for children. They've been seen handing out McDonald's certificates to the kids as they leave school for the day, giving away school supplies in September, and coats in the winter. They even offer the children free lunches throughout summer months, along with vacation Bible school.For all the things that they do, they only ask for donations. Clearly, raising money is not their ultimate goal; but it is their goal to provide for the needs of other people in the community. One thing that I know is this: Even if this church would one day have to close its doors, as many have done in the past, the women here have been and continue to be an example of cheerful giving and sharing in this town. I believe that they have initiated the spirit of generosity and service that will continue to grow and be an example to us who receive fromthem.May God bless these women who serve us at Meeds Methodist Church.Faye RuckhardtNesquehoning