Twelve years ago Albany (Ore.) Church members Curtis and Joy Miller founded a local mission outreach program, which they named Compassion in Action (CIA), providing necessities for the less fortunate citizens of the Albany community. Diapers, formula, receiving blankets and clothing have been provided for babies, especially those with single mothers.
This program flourished and over the years has provided a service for hundreds of the needy in the Albany area.
A spinoff program, coined Coats For Folks, was started and provides coats, hats, gloves, socks, blankets and sleeping bags, particularly for children. Much of the supplies are distributed to the indigent population, homeless shelters, Department of Human Services and the Linn County Jail.
Quite often people incarcerated for vagrancy have no place to go when released and have a need for basic necessities. This is where CIA and Coats For Folks come into play.
During 2016 members of the Albany Church donated 90 quality coats as well as hats, gloves and socks. One family donated two large boxes of new emergency blankets for distribution.
The Bible tells us it is our obligation to care for the poor, widows, sick and needy. The Lord has richly blessed the members of the Albany Church, and we gladly share our blessings with those less fortunate among us.
Joy Miller (left) and a Linn County Jail psychologist receive blankets donated by Albany Church members.
