Upstate Oasis held a blessing bag drive January 16-March 1 in memory of longtime Oasis volunteer John Edlund who passed away November 10. John volunteered at many community agencies including Komen Race for the Cure, Make-A-Wish, Baldwinsville Meals on Wheels, and the University United Methodist Church food pantry.

Each blessing bag consisted of 2 pairs of socks, soap, deodorant, lotion, lip balm, toothbrush and paste, tissues, hand wipes, hand warmers, a cereal bar and a card of encouragement. The ladies’ bags also included feminine products. The blessing bags were given to In My Father’s Kitchen which provides food and necessities to the homeless on the streets. All additional donations collected were given to the Samaritan Center.

IMFK’s founder, John Tumino was very grateful for the donations which were dropped off at their location at 501 Hawley Street by Oasis Program Manager, Jennifer Michella, and Oasis Leadership Team members Lorrie LaDuke and Rona Edlund, John’s wife.

Upstate Oasis would like to thank all our members for their generous donations, we couldn’t have done this without you!

“It takes each of us to make a difference for all of us.” Jackie Mutcheson