Tanglewood Baptist joins Operation Knit Together'

Tanglewood Baptist Church in Jasper is joining churches from six other states to support "Operation Knit Together," an effort to help orphans in Moldova, the poorest of the former Soviet republics.

Moldova is at the same latitude as Chicago. "The orphanage buildings and heating systems are poorly constructed and maintained and the government can't afford to provide enough coal and electricity for heat, " according to Dearing Garner, who is leading the effort to distribute shoes and clothing to help prevent frostbite.

"Operation Knit Together" is a ministry of Baptist Child and Family Services. Volunteers may participate in the distribution during three trips scheduled for Nov. 24Dec. 3, Dec. 2-11 and Dec. 917.

Civic clubs and churches from Texas, North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana are collecting donations for the trips. Most of the shoes will be purchased in Moldova to give a boost to the local economy, but donated shoes will also be shipped over, along with socks donated by Kentucky Derby Hosiery in North Carolina.

Garner says, "Our goal is to personally put the shoes, socks and other items directly into the hands of the children." They will also distribute Gospel tracts in English, Moldovan and Russian.

For information about donating or volunteering contact Garner at 210-787-0535 or visit Children's Emergency Relief International website at www.CERIkids.org.