A volunteer works in Mission Arlington’s food pantry, helping other get the food they need for their families.

As a faith-based family, we like to say that we are “Spirit-led, but volunteer-driven,” because volunteers like you lift so much of the load around our place.  Individuals, families, and all kinds of teams (church youth groups, students, civic organizations, and businesses) give their time to help people in need.

As the pandemic began to spread across our country, volunteers naturally and understandably began to stay home, keeping everyone safe.  Donors increased, however, as the compassion inherent to our community blossomed. People began to wear masks when they donated, but the generosity of our community led to long lines of givers, bringing food, clothing, furniture, and so much more to help people in need.  It was absolutely amazing and humbling to watch.

Now, as the community has begun to open safely again, volunteers are beginning to return. More individuals and families are coming to serve, along with various teams.  We are so grateful. It takes many hands to do the work here, and it is such a blessing to do it together.

We truly are better together!

If you are ready to get out again, please come on down to volunteer.  You don’t need an appointment, and we will put you right to work – anytime between 7 and 7 Monday through Saturday. We hope to see you soon!

Instead of large Easter egg hunt this year, volunteers honored social distancing while delivering candy-filled eggs to more than 6,500 children, along with food for their family. The smile on this young girl was one of many we saw that day.

We are thankful for your wonderful support on Giving Tuesday, May 5th.  Once again, you gave generously and sacrificially to make a difference here.  The gifts we received Tuesday were as strong as they ever have been on this day. We want you to know that these funds will support the needs of so many who are struggling with financial hardships during this season. We are able to provide, because you made it possible. Thank you.

What was Giving Tuesday?

During this unprecedented time, many nonprofits have increased needs for support, in order to care for people in need affected by the personal and economic impact of COVID-19. Mission Arlington^® / Mission Metroplex^® is no different. We were already seeing larger numbers and greater need in the lives of people who walked through our front doors every day.

Because of this, the Communities Foundation of Texas (and many sponsors) made huge efforts to support local nonprofits with the “North Texas Giving Tuesday Now,” on Tuesday, May 5th. So many of you gave to make a difference here. We were overwhelmed by the community support of people in need through this offering. Thank you so much.

Transparency and Accountability

It is important to us that we operate with transparency, and that we are accountable to our supporters. Here are a few things about our ministry which may be helpful for you to know.

• We are in our 34th year of serving in our community;
• We do not charge for any service we provide; Every service is provided free of charge;
• We do not sell or resell anything our community provides. When you give it, we give it away;
• Tillie Burgin, our Director, has been here since the beginning, August 1st, 1986. Our small staff has been here and worked together for many years;
• We are accountable to God first, and we work closely with a governing body who meets every month. We are audited annually by a local, respected accounting firm, and we voluntarily participate with multiple charity watchdogs, being in good standing with each;
• You can find the results of our ministry, published here.We are so grateful for the constant support of this community.

Mission Arlington^® has been serving our community since August 1st, 1986, nearly 34 years.

During these difficult days in our country, we want you to know the measures we’ve taken here at Mission Arlington^®, as emergency responders within our community, to provide for people in need and to follow all appropriate protocols to facilitate safety for volunteers, donors, and guests.

If you need help

1. Normal Operating Hours – We are here to provide emergency assistance between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturdays. These are our normal operating hours, unchanged from before the virus‘ entrance into our community;
2.  Social Distancing –
   1. We have created a “drive thru” for people who are receiving food. This limits the amount of people in the building and the physical interaction between people, and it allows you to receive what you need from the privacy of your own vehicle;
   2. We are also delivering food and supplies to people who call in and are requesting assistance if at all possible;

If You Want to Help

1. Normal Operating Hours – We are still open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sundays for drop off;
2. Stay in your Vehicle – When you drop off, please stay in your vehicle. We will unload your car for you. Our volunteers will be wearing protective gear for their safety and yours;
3. Receipts Provided – Instead of coming into our offices to receive a Tax Receipt, we will bring the receipt to your vehicle;
4. Food Needs – We have special needs for a variety of foods to provide for people during these days – canned meats, soups, canned vegetables of multiple varieties, bread, hygiene items, toiletries, and so much more;
5. Financial Needs – Mission Arlington^® continues to need your financial support, especially in these days of increased need. Our administrative overhead continues to be very low (less than 2 percent), and we don’t charge for any service we provide.  98 percent of every dollar you give directly ministers to people in need. As the impact of the virus affects our economy, we are anticipating increased need in days to come. Your support makes such a difference.
   1. You can write out a check to Mission Arlington^®, sending it to our main offices at 210 W. South Street, Arlington, TX 76010;
   2. Or, you can donate online here. If you so choose, you can direct your offering to specific areas of ministry, such as the general fund, food, medical, dental, or more. This will give you the option to begin or to continue your support of our work without having to travel to our physical location downtown.
   3. We are so grateful for, and we truly count on your support.  Thank you.

We have been in this community for nearly 34 years, representing the generous, caring hearts of the people here to care for “those in crisis” among us, and to represent our Lord faithfully. We are grateful for you.

Hundreds of student groups are in town (400+) this Spring Break to lead Rainbow Express.^® These young people are here from all across Texas: Rotan, Hallsville, Keller, Rockwall, Odessa, Keller, Tyler, Van Alstyne, Moody, and more. We also have several churches here from Mississippi, including Ripley, Clinton, Meridian, & Florence. It is an amazing group of people.

On Mission, a phrase which describes the heart of the student groups here this week. These young people could make different choices than the one that brought them to Arlington. When the students arrive, we know already that they could have stayed home, instead of spending their free time like this. They chose to leave the comforts of home for a week to live in spartan accommodations with their youth group, to work long days in the ever-changing Texas weather, so that they can express God’s love in practical ways.  Many here were inspired by their loving sacrifice. We are energized and blessed to serve alongside these faithful, called, congregations.

Children learn about God’s love at Rainbow Express

Prayer undergirds this important work, and love provides the motivation.  Churches set aside resources, and parents pray while their students load into church vans and travel to another state to serve the Lord.   Youth ministers receive the large body of material weeks ahead of time, and students devote a few hours each week in preparation for the trip, learning four days worth of Bible stories, activities, songs, crafts, and games.  Churches back home are praying for the students and the effective accomplishment of the Lord’s work while they are here. The Mission Arlington family, and the prayer network all across our community also is lifting this ministry up to the Lord every day. We are expecting the Lord to use these young people in a mighty way to make a difference here.  Thanks to each of you who continue to pray.

Eternity hangs in the balance.  Last year, more than 23,681 children attended a Rainbow Express^®  event in 335 locations, and 507 of them accepted Christ.   These events are a lot of fun. We know, because the children & youth of our community shoot out of their homes as soon as the Rainbow Express^®  team arrives.  Even after an hour and a half of activity, many don’t want to stay instead of going home.  Rainbow Express is designed for children & youth, and it is truly fun.  However, it is also more than that.

The intersection of families from our community, and student groups from across the US, and the teaching of God’s Word fills hearts with HOPE. We are grateful for the privilege we have of sharing God’s love, and spreading His word throughout our community this summer. Come join us, won’t you? Please keep us in your prayers.  We are excited about the months ahead.

February Saturday mornings mean basketball at Mission Arlington^®.  Our volunteer Bible study leaders arrive early to pick up a van, then travel across our community to “knock on doors” in order to transport children from home to a gym in the center of town. The same kids who have difficulty getting up during the week for school are waiting at the door, ready to “play ball.” In February, our basketball leagues are for elementary-aged children. In March, we do the same thing, but with youth.

The coaches and referees are volunteers who are giving their time, energy, and skill-sets to make a difference in the lives of these young people.  They arrive at the gym early to get everything ready, then greet the children with big smiles, free donuts, and a brightly-colored, donated shirt for each student to wear on Saturday mornings, and to keep when they go home.

By 10:00 a.m., the gym is filled with laughing, learning children.  For the next two hours, they will have so much fun, while learning & practicing the skills of the game.  The children work in teams, pass the ball back and forth, and dribble up and down the court. The two hours of exercise is an important by-product of these weekly events.

The students get to practice their shots from up close and from the free-throw line, guided by the positive reinforcement of our volunteer coaches.  “Well-done” and “Great shot!” or “You can do it!” are common lines heard throughout the morning.  After a while, teams are formed, and the students get to put what they’ve learned into practice through friendly competition.

Our world is reeling these days from the loss of basketball legend Kobe Bryant. Bryant left a legacy for his efforts on and off the basketball court. This award-winning athlete also created an Oscar-winning animated short film titled “Dear Basketball” which illustrates how much the game made a difference in his life.  As we play ball with these students in the Spring, perhaps one of them will be loved in these moments of learning and playing the game that they will remember these days as ones which made an impact in their lives. Our heart for these leagues is so more about impacting young lives than it is about the game.

We are grateful for every volunteer Bible study leader, and every coach who came out to make a difference in children.  We are ever grateful for this generous, loving community who surrounds us with support and love, so that we can stand in the gap with and for the children of our community.

Students enjoying their service at Mission Arlington on this special day.

The Arlington Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration reaches its 30th year of “building harmony,” and “celebrating diversity” in our community.  After a weekend of celebration filled with noted speakers, special tributes, student scholarships, Step competitions,  mixtures of poetry,  jazz, and so much more, volunteers come together in a “Day of Service” on Monday to serve throughout their community.

Instead of a day off, our community is encouraged to make it a “day on,” serving others to make a difference across our community. The Mission Arlington^®/Mission Metroplex^® family is thrilled to be one service partner among many on this day.

Volunteers can join the opening ceremonies for the day, which includes a continental breakfast and free commemorative t-shirts for the first 500 people to arrive, by arriving at 400 W. South Street at 9 a.m. on Monday morning, January 20th.  The Arlington Martin Luther King, Jr. team will sign you in, and get you your assignments and tools for the day.  For more information about this weekend, check out the official website here.

Mission Arlington^® will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. If you aren’t able to make it by 9:00, but can come earlier or later, then please come on down to serve. Come by yourself, bring a friend, or come with your team. There is so much that you can do to help others in need throughout this community. Come ready to work hard, and to have the most fun ever.

We look forward to seeing you here.

A new day, and a new year, at Mission Arlington. It is going be a great year!

The new year has begun. As the old year faded, after a full day receiving precious gifts from the community, our family gathered to pray. We thanked the Lord for the year, and committed to Him the year ahead. It was a sweet time together.  We truly “prayed in” the New Year.  This has become a part of the transition into each new year.

Yet, we know that prayer isn’t merely a bookend for the year.  Prayer must form the fabric and foundation of our work, weaving its way through each part of the ministry. Our conviction is that the work we do can only be effective if it is produced, powered, and protected by the Lord.    We truly do pray “in and throughout” the New Year.  Won’t you join us?

You have certainly joined us in so many amazing ways day by day. We are so grateful for the way you wrap yourself around the people who come through our front doors every day. Your heart, and the spirit of this community truly is an answer to prayer:

You bring so many things that people need at just the right time.  You give your time and energy, working alongside of us, to make a difference here, always in just the right way.  Your financial support, given sacrificially, gets to real people, ordinary people, who are in a moment of need. The people who receive your gifts tell us over and over that it was an answer to their prayers.

We hope you sense this every time you come our way. We love showing up here every day, because we get to be with you as we serve our Lord.  Thank you for your faithfulness here over the last three decades.  Thank you so much for walking with us in and through this New Year. We can’t wait!

Happy New Year!

We are excited that 2020 has arrived. 2019 was so fulfilling as we walked alongside each of you to care for people in need.  In the next few days, we will be reporting an overview of the results from last year.

For now, we just want to say, “Thank you” for making a difference here.  Your gifts of time, talent, and treasure truly lifted the load for hundreds of people every day.  We love it when you drop by with items to give, because we are so blessed by the Spirit in which you give.  Then, we are blessed again in the giving of what you have provided.  We wish you could experience the joy we have of seeing someone receive clothes, food, or emergency financial assistance, because you gave.  People feel lifted in their hearts beyond the physical help you provide.

As the new year begins, our sports leagues will fire up along the way, and the “Rainbow Express” will get underway. Every day in the new year, we will meet and provide support to ordinary people who are in a “moment of need,” and we feel so blessed to do so.

As we say in our introduction, “Mission Arlington^® belongs to God,” and “this isn’t our place, but His.” Last night, the Mission family gathered to pray as we closed out this year. We thanked God for you, and for all He has done in this place.

On the first day of this new year, we are asking you to join us in that prayer.  May His love carry us through this new year, and flow through us non-stop to people in need.  Won’t you join us?

We are grateful for you!

Mission Arlington in 2019. It has been a blessed and beautiful year!

Time moves quickly. It is hard to believe that this year is already at an end. So many have been through so much this year, and we have been so honored to walk this journey in our community. Thanks to each of you for your constant encouragement and support.

Year End Schedule

We will be here on New Year’s Eve to provide help for people in need.  We will also be here for you to drop off your donations until 5:00 p.m.  We will be here on New Year’s Day, in full service, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Your Financial Support

Your financial support means so much to the work here, as we strive to care well for the people who come through our front doors every day.  Our administrative overhead continues to be a very low 1.8%. This means that more than 98 cents out of each dollar you give directly ministers to people in need. Every service we provide through Mission Arlington^® is free of charge, and we don’t sell what you so generously provide.  When you give it, we give it away.

There are many ways that you can provide financially for the work here:

1.  Write a check to Mission Arlington^® . You can drop it off at our main offices, or put it in the mail to 210 W. South St., Arlington, TX 76013. Checks must be postmarked by December 31st to be counted as a 2019 contribution;
2.  Give Online.  Click the following LINK to make an online donation to our work here.

Results for the Year

We look forward to sharing our annual results with you as we enter the new year.  Come see us when you can!  We are so grateful for our journey together through 2019, and we look forward to walking together with this incredible community through 2020.

The Christmas Store in Action from last year – filled with volunteers, and moms & dads shopping for their children’s presents

The Need is Great and Real

Perhaps we have all been there at one point or another in our lives – when the job ended in November, or unexpected expenses made Christmas money difficult. Maybe you remember what it is like to tell your children that there won’t be much Christmas this year, or like one mom said to her children – “Santa’s sleigh doesn’t extend this far.”

If you have found yourself at that difficult spot at one point or another in your life, then you already understand the heart of Mission Arlington.^® We know that you do understand, because you continue to provide Christmas toys, trees and bikes in an unprecedented way. We are humbled and amazed by your tender generosity to our community’s children. Day after day, you give, so that our community’s children will have something under their tree.  We wish you could see the tears of relief and joy that roll down the cheeks of moms and dads whose children will have Christmas because you gave.

The Christmas Story

Meeting the needs of our community’s families is important to us, but there is another reason that we do Christmas like we do.  We want as many as possible to know the story of Christmas encapsulated in John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

At Christmas, we celebrate the birth of Christ as it was described in the Gospel narratives of Matthew and Luke. Christmas gifts will last for a season, but a relationship with Christ will last eternally.  It is for this reason that you will hear Tillie say that the Mission Arlington^® family “celebrates Christmas 365 days a year.”  Truly, every day is another day to share God’s love as we care for people in authentic ways.

Christmas Store Volunteer

Christmas Provisions

• The Christmas Store is a place where parents choose free gifts for their children. It started small over 33 years ago, but has grown to be a large endeavor to provide Christmas gifts for families in need. Last year, 32,888 children received Christmas toys, bikes, trees, and an assortment of other gifts.  We believe that the need will be great again this year.
• Adopt a Family – In addition to our Christmas Store, we connect donors with families in need.  Donors tell us how many children they would like to provide for, and Mission Arlington^® connects these families with their gifts.  Often, the donors get to meet the families in a sweet moment of celebration.  It looks like a great many children will be adopted this year again. We are thankful.
• Bicycle donations – We have a team of people who take old bikes and repair them, providing new parts, until the bike is nearly new. These restored bikes are provided to children and teenagers throughout the Christmas season.  The Bikes for Mission Arlington^® team are also working hard. They are on target to collect more bikes than ever this year.
• Angel Trees – Sometimes individuals and/or groups want to provide for a certain number of children or groups of children.  The Mission family will then provide the names, ages, and Christmas wish lists for these individual children and connect the two groups together.
• Christmas Parties – Companies, civic groups, corporations, student groups and more will throw a Christmas party for Mission Arlington^® children. Usually, this involves a dinner, a gift exchange of some kind, and the appearance of Santa Claus.  The children who receive are always so blessed, not just by the gifts, but by the heart and the spirit of the team who gives to make a difference.
  

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Blessed Givers

The apostle Paul points us to a statement Jesus made which still rings true today – “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:38).  The interesting truth is that the people who give aren’t necessarily rich themselves, giving out of an abundant overflow of stuff they wouldn’t need or  use anyway. In fact, most people who give to help others give from their heart, out of genuine love, and often sacrificially.  Yet, as we see the tears trickle down, and the smiles grow large, we know that the givers themselves are truly being blessed.

A Merry Christmas

If caring for others makes Christmas Merry, then we believe that this truly will be a Merry Christmas all across our community this year.  Thank you so much for loving people like you do.  On Christmas morning, as you open the gifts around your tree, and celebrate with your families, please know that you’ve made a difference here.  Children who would not have had a Christmas any other way are opening their gifts too.  That is truly a gift of love.

We pray that you will truly be blessed this Christmas Season.

[Originally published Christmas Eve last year.]