VA health care center honors W.IN.G.S. for volunteerism
April 17-23 was National Volunteer Week, and the Central Arkansas VA Healthcare System Center for Development and Civic Engagement, formerly VAVS, served lunch and recognized individuals and organizations who give service to the nation’s veterans.
W.IN.G.S. was named Civic Organization of the Year (2021) by CAVHS. Woodson, in a news release, said, “to God be the glory.”
An outreach ministry of Village Bible Church, 100 Ponderosa Way, Hot Springs Village, Women in
God’s Service and their Wingmen began in September 2016 under the leadership of Mary
Ann Woodson.
“This outreach ministry concentrated on lifting-up, inspiring, and empowering others along their life’s journey. The first project was to sew simple dresses and shorts for little girls and boys who were part of the programs at Change Point, Potter’s Clay or Safe Haven,” the release said.
Starting with about 20 women, the group quickly grew and their motto “Rise by Lifting Others” proved to be successful.
The ladies annually sew and craft around 6,000 items, including stuffed toys, Christmas stockings and ornaments, tote bags, backpacks, quilts, diaper bags, numerous baby items, and Valentine’s hearts.
The items are distributed to agencies including Mountain Pine Head Start and preschool, Jackson House, St. Francis House, a home for veterans in Little Rock, Teen Challenge, the Racetrack Ministry, Arkansas Hospice, VA Community Living Centers, Arkansas Veterans HOME-NLR, We are the 22, Service Dogs of Distinction, Arkansas Freedom Fund, First Step, The CALL and Operation Christmas Child, it said.
“Each donated article has a tag with a Bible verse and reminds those who receive it that they are a gift from God, they are special to Him, and there is someone praying for them. Skilled and unskilled alike are invited to experience fellowship and satisfaction as they make items for the less fortunate,” the release said.
The United States Daughters of 1812 assists by delivering items for veterans in Little Rock and North Little Rock. In 2021, they delivered 911 items made by W.IN.G.S. for homeless/indigent veterans.
Email VBC at office@vbchsv.org or call 501-922-0404 for more information.
“This outreach ministry concentrated on lifting-up, inspiring, and empowering others along their life’s journey. — CAVHS