The Work of Mercy Center Opens in Graceville

Story courtesy of The Northern Star Newspaper, Clinton, MN

Work of Graceville Mercy Center  To Help Those in Need of Basics

The Work of Mercy Center has been established by a group of local volunteers to help individuals and families in need of basic household items. The Mercy Center is a ministry to serve Big Stone, Traverse, Lac qui Parle and Stevens counties, as well as the surrounding area. Father Brian Oestreich, Pastor of the local Catholic churches and church members developed the idea of The Work of Mercy Center. “Our mission is to have basic items available to individuals and families in need at no cost. Some of the items we try to have available include clothing, hygiene items, shoes, dishes, pots, pans, diapers, bedding and many others,” said Katie Jensen, church member. “Everyone is welcome at The Mercy Center”, Oestreich stated. “We offer special hospitality to our guests, to care for their basic human needs and to treat them as respected people of God”.

The Work of Mercy Center is located in the old school building of Holy Rosary Parish, 711 Studdart Ave, in Graceville.  Weekly hours are Tuesday nights from 6-8 p.m. and Thursday afternoons 1-3 p.m., or by private appointment. Please call Katie at 320-748-7259 to make an appointment. The location was chosen due to the availability of space needed to display all of the items donated by generous individuals.  This room and articles have no affiliation with any church or social service agencies and is open to anyone regardless of race or creed. It is a Christian based outlet serving anyone in need from the surrounding communities.

Information cards have been given and are displayed in area hospitals, clinics, law enforcement offices, businesses, and schools. When visiting The Mercy Center, you will find gently used and new clothing from infants to adults, dishes, pots and pans, bedding, bath towels, dish cloths, etc.  These items are all free for the taking (no hoops or hurdles.)  There is a simple registration to fill out but nothing else. If a larger piece of furniture is needed, the volunteers and Board of Directors will do their best to find the needed items. Donations of clean, usable, appropriate clothing and house hold items are always needed. Please call or deliver your donations during regular weekly hours. There is a need for personal hygiene items at this time.For more information about The Work of Mercy Center, please call Katie Jensen at 320-748-7259.