Photo

Click on photo to enlarge

Special to the Daily Journal/Messenger

Pictured, from left, are Tom Brelsford, and recycling crew members Joe, Tony and B.K., kneeling, as they stand in front of the 2004 Ford-250 truck donated to Collins Home by Brelsford. The crew has named it 'Brother Tom' in his honor.

"The door did what?!" This was our exact reaction to some disturbing news we learned several months ago about our ailing recycling truck. It seems the door had developed a bad habit of flying open when the truck hit a bump in the road or turned a corner — not a good idea! Added to the other significant mechanical problems, we knew the time had come to replace "Miss Grace," as she was affectionately called by Joe, Tony and B.K. She was a real work horse of a truck and had served the Collins Home & Family Ministries well for many years. Soon after this need was shared among the staff, Collins Home received a "seed gift" of $1,000 to establish a fund to purchase a replacement truck. Shortly thereafter, our friend, Tom Brelsford learned about our need for a truck and led an active search for a replacement truck. He knew that not just any truck would work, after all, it would be replacing a faithful friend. While Tom was planning the purchase of a truck, we were planning a small birthday celebration for him. When the day of his surprise celebration came, Tom put into action the phrase, "It is better to give than to receive," by presenting the recycling crew with the keys to a 2004 Ford -250. What a birthday surprise! Thank you, Tom, for sharing your birthday and for caring so much for your Collins Home family.

Not only was the truck immediately put to use hauling recycled newspaper and aluminum cans, it was used Aug. 23 to transport supplies to Seneca High School for our 25th Annual Chicken BBQ Fundraiser — another exciting day!

What does it take to plan for, cook and serve 1,500 generously filled plates of delicious food to a few good friends? The answer is efficient planning and the tireless efforts of many dedicated volunteers. This year's event, led by Alena Pelfrey, Delaine Henry, Anne Rackley, Ed Pekerak and Rusty Guill, was an overwhelming success. Ed's team of cooks fired up the new pit about 4 a.m. and the breakfast crew followed soon after. The pace of the day was fast, to say the least!

At the end of the day, many appetites were satisfied and all of us at Collins Home were grateful for every volunteer that helped in any way. We are also grateful to the sponsors who supported this important fundraiser and to every person who purchased tickets. Twenty-five years is a long time to support one cause, and we feel especially blessed that several of our volunteers have participated in every event. While dinner was being served in the cafeteria we made special presentations to Earle Ambrose, Niles Workman and the Rackleys for 25 years of leadership and dedication to this annual event. A special thank you to Rep. Thomas Alexander who was so kind to assist in the presentations.

As I write, I remember the meetings when they carefully planned every detail. I saw the cooks' dedication in preparing the best chicken ever. I saw the kitchen crew as they worked tirelessly (at least they made it look that way) to serve the long lines of folks who came to pick up their dinners. From the first planning meeting to the last swipe of the mop at the end of a long day, I saw their servants’ hearts. If you ever wonder why so many folks give so freely of themselves, make time to visit us at Collins Home and meet the children we serve every day. Then you will understand their hearts. Better yet, join us in our efforts to make life better for some very precious children and many needy families. Listen to friends like Tom and our volunteer tutors tell you about "their children." It is a true blessing to be a part of a caring community. May God bless you all! By the way, the recycling crew named the new truck “Brother Tom.”