BURTON BRIDGE MINISTRY SEEKING DONATIONS TO EXPAND SERVICES
The Burton Bridge Ministry is asking for the public’s help in a capital campaign to expand the services that the ministry offers.
(courtesy Darrell Scott Nies)
Over the past year and a half, the ministry has been looking at land options to accommodate expansion, and was recently approached by Bethany Christian Church about purchasing its property at 307 North Brazos Street in Burton. The church is looking to relocate, and gave the ministry an exclusive option to purchase the property for $250,000 before taking it to market on March 12th.
Board President Madeline Johnson said with this property, or any other property the ministry would consider, the first priority is to have a space to set up a permanent food pantry.
According to Johnson, the Bethany church property would not be move-in ready, but the Brazos Valley Food Bank has told the ministry that it would be willing to help find the equipment needed to operate a food pantry at the building, or any other building being considered.
Johnson said another goal of the ministry, although not as immediate as the food pantry, is to expand its thrift store to offer more merchandise, particularly furniture. A vacant lot that neighbors the church property would provide the ministry the opportunity to accomplish this goal.
The ministry is also seeking to take a building and modify it to where it can be used as a large event room for ministry-hosted meals and activities. In addition, it is looking to provide healthcare services alongside its mobile food pantry periodically through the year.
The funds in the ministry’s bank account are reserved for its existing programs, and will not be used to purchase or renovate a building.
Anyone interested in donating or learning more about the ministry can visit www.burtonbridgeministry.org, or call 979-337-3370.