Church of the Nazarene Expands Exchange Program

Pictured, left to right: Orange Church of the Nazarene volunteer Martha Johnson and pastor Pam Edelman stand in the church’s recently opened exchange room. (Photo Credit: Andra Landi)

Orange Church of the Nazarene is giving back to the community by opening a dedicated exchange room for those in need of household items.

In recent months, the church has been working toward the goal of developing a day center in the building’s lower level, where community members without shelter or experiencing another crisis, such as lack of heat or air conditioning, can comfortably gather during daytime hours. The new room is an expansion of an existing ministry in order to better meet the needs of the community, said Pam Edelman, pastor at Orange Church of the Nazarene.

“As part of our ministry here, we were doing this big event called the Exchange,” she explained. “We did it once a quarter where we would take in household goods and clothing and just redistribute it, but it was one weekend every three months. I discovered that A, people want to get rid of stuff more often than that, and B, people need stuff when they need stuff, not four times a year.”

To make those needed items more readily available, Edelman and volunteers from the church have converted part of the building into a permanent “exchange room” stocked with furniture, appliances, linens, toys and more. Currently, the only criteria for a someone to receive an item is to demonstrate a need.

Those interested can call Edelman at (434) 466-4011 to inquire about the availability of specific items and set up a time for pickup or donations. In the future, she hopes to set established hours as the day center project transitions from dream to reality.

One of the volunteers, Martha Johnson, was on site sorting donated goods on the day that The OC Bulletin stopped by. A lifelong Orange County resident, Johnson shared how her own family’s experiences inspired her to help others.

“Growing up, we didn't have a lot,” Johnson reflected. “When I was in Unionville, we had a house fire, so a lot of our stuff got destroyed. Orange had a shelter then, but that was it. There were no other places to get clothing, or to get household furniture when you were able to get back on your feet. And I've seen my parents struggle. So having this, it helps.”

Edelman agreed that she wants the church to be a place that people can turn to in a time of need.

“Obviously we worship here and we do all the church things, but above and beyond that, I just want it to serve as a community center of hope right here on the hill where we're set.”

In addition to household items, Orange Church of the Nazarene accepts donations of toiletries, personal care items and financial contributions on an ongoing basis. To inquire about donating, volunteering or receiving items, call the phone number listed above. To learn more about Orange Church of the Nazarene, visit www.orangevanaz.org.