YLM staff set out thank-you gifts for over twenty volunteers in main parking lot for the Volunteer Appreciation Drive-Thru

Majority of the work taking place at Ysleta Lutheran Mission Human Care (YLM) happens thanks to the dedicated effort of so many people generous with their time, especially during this pandemic time where social distance is the norm.  For the first few months after lockdowns began in El Paso, a core group of volunteers kept coming on Saturday mornings to help with the Drive-Thru Food Pantry.

Another group of ladies from San Pablo Lutheran Church have dedicated several hours to help put together food bags, clean buildings, assist at the Cornucopia Thrift Shop, and other day to day tasks.  After all, at YLM, there’s always something for people to put their heart and hands into.

As the year has wound down, it was clear there was a need to find a way to say thank you to every one of our volunteers from San Pablo, the Zaragoza Rotary Club of El Paso, and other local churches.

Specially made thank you cards, homemade Christmas ornaments, and freshly made buñuelos were given to each volunteer

“We’re a small staff,” Rev Dr. Karl Heimer explained as suggestions were given on how to thank the volunteers, “If it weren’t for all these volunteers, from our church and outside of our church, we would have a very hard time accomplishing all the areas of mercy we’re known for, especially this year.”

Working together, the YLM staff came up with the idea to do a Volunteer Appreciation Drive-Thru and give them a simple yet sweet gift of freshly made buñuelos along with a thank you card and a big celebration of cheers and applause from the YLM staff.

YLM is heartily grateful for all those who give of their time to labor in love for their neighbors.  As YLM continues to partner with churches and individuals, both local and out of state, it is the opportunity to facilitate acts of kindness that has helped continue sharing God’s love to thousands of people.

“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”

~Colossians 3:17