Nebraska Synod ELCA

by Valerie Robert

Although today’s congregation tops out at about 250, Hosanna continues to grow in service to Cass County by leaps and bounds. Its innovative community partnerships play a major part in that growth. One important way Hosanna helps those in the community who are struggling to make ends meet is through Under His Wings thrift shop, in operation since 2011.

Originally conceived out of a community bible study on Romans 12 as a baby pantry supported by three churches in 2010.  Under church member Claudia Wylie’s tutelage, it operated out of Hosanna’s garage, it grew to be supported by ten area churches. Each church collected diapers. “Every church did its own thing—had a ‘baby shower’ or placed a donation box by their front door,” Wylie said.  Other contributions included baby clothing, blankets, many types of baby items and a $2,000 check from a generous donor. Eighteen families qualifying for WIC (Women, Infants and Children)benefited from the pantry’s resources that Christmas.  The need quickly grew, and items given more than filled the garage so…

At the end of 2011, a church member pointed out a community need for clothing, and the idea for a thrift shop was born.  With another generous donation of nearly $3,000, as well as donated leftover clothing from Plattsmouth First Lutheran church’s annual rummage sale, the first thrift shop, a 1000-foot-storefront opened its doors on 6^th Street. The business quickly outgrew that space, moving to its current 5000’ storefront on 511 Main Street in downtown Plattsmouth in 2012.   Do you see a theme of growth – God is blessing this ministry.

Due to the monies generated by Under His Wings sales, the thrift shop provides clothing and household items to families in need at a moment’s notice, and to assist them with utilities, medicine and gas for vehicles. The thrift store supports a food pantry, a food co-op, donates $100 per month to Meals on Wheels, and partners with SENCA and other churches in our area.  Over sixty thousand dollars is raised each year to assist families in Cass County.

And Claudia doesn’t do it alone. A small “army” of about 20 volunteers from both Hosanna and churches throughout the community contribute their time to help run the thrift shop on a day-to-day basis. The need for both financial donations, and volunteer time keep growing according to Wylie. “We used to limit assistance to only once per year per family, but since Covid we sometimes have to exceed that guideline,” she said. And more volunteers are always needed to supplement staffing needs.