Community Briefs

West plains Angels holiday food and toy drive for abandoned pets

Cheney Free Press

Lucas Walsh

CHENEY – West Plains Angels, a Cheney non-profit, is holding their first food and toy drive for unloved and abandoned pets throughout the month of December.

Held at the Deals and Steals thrift store at 809 1st, the hours of operation are Mon-Fri, 9a.m. to 6p.m. and from 10a.m. to 6p.m. on Saturday. Acceptable items for donation are pet food, blankets, pet toys and treats.

President of the board Tony Blount said “Our motto is “compound the good” and we mean to do just that with this drive.”

Blount cited the vast numbers of pets that are abandoned during and after the holiday season. “If we can provide raw resources such as pet food and blankets, then maybe that will alleviate some of the financial pressure of caring for a pet and your home.” Blount said.

Blount said that the mission of West Plains Angels goes beyond providing resources for pets. “Our mission is to financially benefit veteran organizations, churches, other non-profits and groups that enrich the quality of our community.”

Blount said that the organization plans to run this drive, which is managed entirely by volunteers, at least through the end of the year.

Cheney Community Clothing Exchange winter clothing and supplies

Now open at 620 3rd Street, the Cheney Community Clothing Exchange is a year-round volunteer-run organization which distributes clothing, bedding, toys, and food to the community for free.

Open Mondays from 4p.m. to 6p.m. and Wednesdays from 12p.m. to 6p.m., the exchange also accepts donations, but they are not a requirement, so anyone can stop in and take items that they need. Connie Oakes is the director of the exchange and has volunteers helping year round with the revolving selection.

Emmanuel Lutheran Church

Dece. 8 2022

The congregation of Emmanuel Lutheran Church invites you to worship this Sunday, Dec. 11, 2022 at 10:30 a.m. Coffee hour follows the worship service.

Advent mid-week services are held on Wednesdays at noon through Dec. 21

Sunday service for Dec. 18 will be held at 10:30 a.m.

On Christmas Day at 10:30 a.m. we will have a Lessons and Carols service. Emmanuel’s last worship service will be on Saturday Dec. 31 at 10:30 a.m. At this service we will witness and bless the dissolvement of Emmanuel’s congregation. A potluck lunch will follow the service.

The Free Community Pantry has been relocated to St. Paul’s Episcopal church. The address is 636 C St. Emmanuel thanks St Paul’s for continuing this service to our neighbors.

Cheney Congregational

The holidays can be a difficult time of year, especially for those who have lost a loved one. Their empty chair around the table this season grieves us. You’re invited to join us this Sunday as we explore how at Christmastime God came near to be with us in our grief. Because behind all the lights and the trees and the manger scene, the Christmas story is one of God entering into our grief with us so that we would not be so alone in it.

 We are a community of neighbors who seek and serve Jesus and who strive to create a place where anyone, regardless of their sexuality, gender expression or race can find community and feel welcomed. We hold as a permanent conviction that each person is treasured in the eyes of God. We welcome and stand with all who gather into the safety and fellowship of our community. No matter where you are on your journey through life, you are welcome here!

 We welcome you to join us on Sunday mornings for in-person worship at 10am and fellowship time afterwards. Masks are optional. Kids have their own “Discovery Team Time” during our services. 

 Cheney Congregational Church has started a free pantry just outside the front doors of the church. Please feel free to take or leave food for yourself and others.

We are also involved with Feed Cheney for a free meal and grocery distribution which will be on Monday, December 19th at 5:30 at the Wren Pierson building in Cheney located at 615 4th st. No documentation or demonstration of need required.

Choir practice meets on Sunday morning from 9 to 9:30. All are welcome to participate.

If you’d like to learn more or contact us, visit our website, www.cheneycongregational.org. Have a great week!

Cheney Members Association organize giving tree

Danielle LaBar

Hey Everyone! A group of our local businesses organize the annual Cheney Giving Tree along with the counselors from the elementary schools. We are hoping to reach out to you to share the info with your staff, friends and family.

There are currently about 350 gift tags left with asks for winter coats, boots, toy ideas, etc. If you are able to grab a tag from one of the participating businesses (The Mason Jar, Farmhouse Cafe, West Plains Roasters or The Jar) OR are able to contribute cash we would greatly appreciate it!!

Venmo: cheney-community

Paypal: cheneywacommunity@gmail.com

100% of the proceeds go to the local families and we have been asked by the schools to take on another handful of families who could use the help as well. Any amount of contribution is amazing even just sharing the info with others! Thank you so much for you support for our community!