Collection drive goes through Lenten season

HEBER SPRINGS/BATESVILLE — Methodist Family Health has a way for Arkansans to honor the Lenten season by contributing to the state’s children and families who are abandoned, abused, neglected and managing psychiatric, emotional, behavioral and spiritual issues.

The 11th annual Get Up & Give collection project asks Arkansans to contribute necessities to the children and families in the organization’s care. The project is during the entire 40 days of Lent — Feb. 26 through April 9 — and both children and adults can participate by donating personal-hygiene items, clothes, shoes, school supplies, bedding, funds and other necessities to the Methodist Counseling Clinic in their community.

“Many of the children in our care are abandoned, abused and neglected,” said Kelli Reep, director of communications at Methodist Family Health. “Others are in the foster-care system or have families with few monetary resources. By providing them things like new underwear, deodorant, their own school supplies — even books and toys — our community demonstrates to them that there are people who care about them and their well-being.”

Methodist Family Health asks that all items contributed through Get Up & Give are new. Monetary donations can also be made so specific items can be purchased to meet the needs of Arkansas children and families.

Contributions can be delivered to 515 N. Main St., Heber Springs, AR 72543; phone, (501) 365-3022; or 500 E. Main St., Suite 310, Batesville, AR 72501; phone, (870) 569-4890.