American essayist, Ralph Waldo Emerson once wrote, “The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.”

Those looking to make a difference in their communities now have a chance. Lighthouse Home Mission (LHM) is seeking help from compassionate volunteers and donors to help with an upcoming event. For the past 20 years, LHM has held their “Yard Sale” event for the sole purpose of raising funds for their food pantry. The event will run from Aug. 28 to Sept. 5 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Full Gospel Temple in Westland, Michigan.

Continuing to operate throughout the pandemic, LHM has helped their community in its time of need. Now they are looking to get some help themselves. Those who are looking to volunteer their time can join in on any days from Aug. 24 through Sept. 5, serving any amount of time between the hours of 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. There are a variety of tasks LHM needs help with including lifting and moving furniture, unloading boxes, organizing tables, sorting items and manning the food station. Anyone interested in volunteering may contact Paola Tucker at 734-334-3104 to schedule a time and task to volunteer for.

“We will find something for everyone [who wants to volunteer],” said Tucker. “Anybody who wants to give their time, we’re blessed and we’re grateful.”

For those looking to donate items, everything goes. 

“We take anything, even the kitchen sink,” exclaimed Tucker. 

A drop-off station is set up in the parking lot where anyone can donate items at any time. The church is located at 34033 Palmer Road Westland, Michigan and donations can be placed near the sign with the word “Lighthouse” on it. 

Please note the only item they don’t take this year is clothing due to COVID-19.

All the money raised by the Yard Sale will go back into the food pantry to continue to help serve the community. LHM has continued throughout the pandemic with their food pantry service as well as their soup kitchen, adapting to the health crisis in order to help those who needed it more than ever.

“100 percent of the proceeds go to the food pantry, all the volunteers are 100 percent volunteers,” said Tucker. “No one gets paid for anything, everything goes right back to the food pantry.”

If you have any questions regarding the upcoming event or if you would like to get involved as a volunteer, you may contact Paola Tucker at 734-334-3104.

Feature photo courtesy of Paola Tucker.