BURTON BRIDGE MINISTRY

Some Kind of Wonderful

BRIDGE MINISTRY OF BURTON BRINGS THE COMMUNITY TOGETHER

by Susie Tommaney, Bookkeeper/Volunteer, Bridge Ministry of Burton photography by Emily Henderson

Deep in the heart of Texas, where the back roads end, something wonderful is happening in the quaint little town of Burton. What began as a kernel of an idea by 13 inspired churches has blossomed into a thriving ministry, where hundreds of volunteers work together to make life better for their neighbors as it builds a bridge between racial, cultural, educational, and economic divisions within the community, “It truly brings my heart joy to see the community come together.” says Taylor Whittaker, Executive Director. “We will have somebody drop by with farm-fresh eggs for our pantry, just finish folding some donated clothes, and before the day is over, a client will walk in needing both of those items. We’ll put out the word that somebody needs a stove and folks just step up to help.”

Perhaps the biggest example of bridge-building can be found in the ministry’s boutique-style thrift store, just around the corner from the White Horse Tavern. We’ve all felt the need to clean out our closets from time to time, and The Corner We’ll put out the word that somebody needs a “ Shoppe displays those donations of clothing, shoes and home goods in a welcoming environment. We can’t tell who has more fun: the volunteers who sort, price and merchandise behind the scenes, or those who greet customers and share their joy at fabulous finds. But maybe it’s the lucky shopper who discovers that missing place setting to stove and folks just step up to help. complete grandmother’s china set, the perfect Sundaygo-to-meeting outfit, or a gently used percolator. Above, Gloria Niday, left, and Laurell

Smith welcome

Larger donations like furniture, shoppers at The appliances and estates are resold Corner Shoppe.

through Facebook Marketplace — helping to fund the ministry’s programs — or given to neighbors experiencing an economic crisis.

Fridays are for fellowship, when the 55 and up crowd gathers for games, camaraderie, and a rousing game of Bingo with candy coated prizes. But save dessert for last because a hot lunch is served at noon, cooked with love by one of the volunteer chefs or catered by a local eatery. Another team of volunteers takes those same hot lunches out to seniors and the disabled, bringing a fresh, smiling face to homebound neighbors.

But the most exciting new development is the ministry’s new Client Choice Pantry in the center of town. Folks from all over Washington County stop by for fresh and seasonal produce, to check out the job board, sign up for benefits, or access computers.

It does all sound wonderful, doesn’t it? Why don’t you mosey on down and see for yourself. We’ll leave the porch light on.

The Corner Shoppe thrift store is open ThursdaysSaturdays, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., at 307 North Brazos.

The Client Choice Pantry is open Mondays, Tuesdays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to noon; and Wednesdays from 3 to 5 p.m. at 601 North Main. Their administrative office is open Mondays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Wednesdays from 1 to 5 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to noon.

For more information, call 979-337-3370 or visit burtonbridgeministry.org.

From top, The Corner Shoppe displays those donations of clothing, shoes and home goods in a welcoming environment; middle, Bridge Ministry of Burton serves as a matchmaker between those who have and those who have not; bottom, the welcoming front porch of The Corner Shoppe; left, The Client Choice Food Pantry allows for a normal shopping experience.