Open Hands Volunteers Embrace Abused and Abandoned Kids

Jonathan’s Place Dallas County

On Saturday, June 29, 2013, approximately 25 Open Hands volunteers welcomed the children and staff of Jonathan’s Place to the North Cities Garland campus for a day of food and fun. The children participated in various outdoor sports and then came inside to decorate a take-home bag. Hamburgers were donated for the event by In-N-Out, while several individuals made donations of fruit, drinks, and snacks. A clothing drive was also held in conjunction with this event, and the North Cities family generously donated 50 boxes of clothing, which was delivered to Jonathan’s Place on Wednesday, July 10.

Open Hands is a ministry of North Cities that seeks to live out the Great Commandment of loving God by loving others (Matt 22:35-40). By partnering with Jonathan’s Place for this event, Open Hands provided an opportunity for volunteers to embrace some of the most vulnerable of God’s children. Jesus said that acts of kindness shown “unto to the least of these,” would be considered as if they were done directly for Him (Matt 25:40).

Jonathan’s Place has been helping to take care of the Dallas area’s abused children since 1991. Care is provided through a “home-style” emergency shelter for abused, abandoned and neglected children. They also provide a Foster and Adoptive Family Program and a Girls Treatment Program. Jonathan’s Place is the only emergency shelter in Dallas County that provides 24-hour residential care for children in crisis under the age of 10.

Plans are being made now for Open Hands’ next community service project. If you are interested in “Connecting to your Purpose” by volunteering for future events, please pick up an application at the Information Center or complete our Contact form.