In the News ... "Midland Salvation Army to open warming station for homeless"

MRT Photo by James Durbin

• Will be open anytime the temperature reaches 42 degrees or below

By Ben Shaffer, Reporter
• Midland Reporter-Telegram

MIDLAND, TEXAS - The Salvation Army of Midland, at 600 E. Wall St., will open a warming station for those experiencing homelessness.

As winter weather approaches, The Salvation Army, at 600 E. Wall St., is opening a warming station for those experiencing homelessness to get out of the cold during the winter.

The warming station will be open anytime the temperature reaches 42 degrees or below, according to a press release.

“We make an additional 70 emergency cots available in our shelter during inclement weather, on top of the 70 beds available year-round,” said Captain Robert Coriston, with The Salvation Army in Midland, in a press release. “We will do our best to make sure everyone has a warm, safe place to sleep, and no one is left outside exposed to the freezing winter weather. We currently have 78 people staying in our shelter, including men, women, and families.”

To make a donation, or for more information about the warming station and inclement weather shelter, please call The Salvation Army at 432-683-3614, visit online at www.salvationarmymidland.org or stop by at 600 E. Wall St. in Midland ...

 • Read the rest of this MRT report ...

In the News ... "St. Nicholas’ Episcopal Church to hold Lessons and Carols"

• Service with West Texas Winds Ensemble on December 17

Staff Report
• Midland Reporter-Telegram

MIDLAND, TEXAS - Prepare for Christmas with beautiful songs and scripture readings when St. Nicholas’ Episcopal Church holds its annual Lessons and Carols service at 9:30 a.m. on Dec. 17. The West Texas Winds ensemble will accompany the church choir.

Rather than a traditional worship service that anchors around a sermon, this style of service consists of Christmas songs interspersed with scripture readings, explained the Rev. Amy Haynie.

“This service is ideal for anyone who wants to hear the story of God, or re-hear it, to remind themselves of the holiness of the season of Christmas,” she added ...

• Read the rest of this MRT report ...

In the News ... “Local food ministry celebrates groundbreaking for new building"

KWES Photo

• Mission Agape unveiled their new 7,700 square foot Distribution Center Wednesday morning

Staff Report • KWES-TV

MIDLAND TEXAS - Mission Agape broke ground on its new 7,700 square foot Distribution Center Wednesday morning at 4501 Thomason Drive.

Mission Agape is a faith-based food ministry committed to ending hunger in the community.

The groundbreaking marks a major step toward expanding their services and reaching more people who need food ...

 • Read/watch the rest of this KWES report ...

In the News ... “Mission Agape presents 'Cocoa and Cookies With Santa"

• Saturday morning, November 18 at Golf Course Road Church of Christ

MIDLAND TEXAS - Christmas is supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year, but it can be one of great strife for those who can’t afford food for their family, let alone gifts. Mission Agape wanted to bring joy and smiles to children in the community by hosting a Christmas Blessing Event.

Each year, Mission Agape holds a toy drive to collect donations for our Christmas Blessing Event. After the toy drive, we adopt children from our partnering MISD schools and invite parents to come and “shop” for gifts for their children ...

 • More information about this event ...

In the News ... "West Texas Food Bank joins forces with JumBurrito for annual fundraiser: Because You Fed Me"

• Dedicated to JumBurrito Revolutionary Rewards Club Members, both current and new

Staff Report
• Odessa American

ODESSA/MIDLAND, TEXAS - The West Texas Food Bankannounced Friday its partnership with JumBurrito for the 13th consecutive year in an endeavor to make a meaningful impact on hunger in the community. This festive collaboration, running from Sunday, November 12, to Saturday, December 16, is dedicated to JumBurrito Revolutionary Rewards Club Members, both current and new. JumBurrito is set to turn each member’s visit into an act of generosity. For every visit during the promotional period, JumBurrito will pledge to donate $.50 to the West Texas Food Bank, a contribution that translates into providing two meals to individuals in need. The initiative not only satisfies our taste buds but also nourishes the community it serves, a news release said.

To add an exciting twist to the season of giving, each visit will also serve as an entry for JumBurrito Revolutionary Rewards Club Members to win 1,000 Rewards Points. With six winners to be selected, the promotion encourages active participation while offering a chance to earn appealing rewards.

“This marks the 13th year of our cherished partnership with JumBurrito, and we are incredibly grateful for their ongoing commitment to our cause,” expressed Libby Campbell, CEO at the West Texas Food Bank, in the release. “Their generosity for every member visit is a testament to the shared values of compassion and community support that define this annual fundraiser. Together, we can make a significant difference in the lives of those facing food insecurity.”

• November 8 at Midland College's Scharbauer Student Center Carrasco Room

In the News ... "Samaritan Center celebrates 50 years of community impact with Golden Celebration"

• Event is also a fundraiser, aiming to generate crucial financial support for Samaritan Center’s ongoing mission

Staff Report
• Odessa American

MIDLAND/ODESSA, TEXAS - Samaritan Center has announced its Golden Celebration that will honor the remarkable legacy of the organization. As part of this grand occasion, Samaritan Center will recognize the 2023 Samaritan Honoree, the founders and benefactors of Permian Basin Behavioral Health Center.

This historic celebration will take place at 6 p.m. November 7 at the Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center. The event is set to be a night to remember, bringing together generations of Samaritan supporters, community members, and friends who have all played a vital role in the growth and success of the organization, a press release said ...

• Read the rest of this OA report ...

In the News ... "NewsWest 9 kicks off 2023 toy drive"

• Partnering with Salvation Army and United Supermarkets to help gather and distribute toys to children in West Texas

Staff Report
• KWES-TV

BIG SPRING/MIDLAND/ODESSA, TEXAS - NewsWest 9, the Salvation Army and United Supermarkets have once again partnered in 2023 for the annual toy drive.

The toy drive will help gather and distribute toys to children in West Texas to make sure they have a happy Christmas.

Red barrels will be at select locations across Midland, Odessa and Big Spring to collect toys ...

• Read the rest of this KWES report, and find a collection point near you ... 

In the News ... "Kick for Kenya 1K/5K/10K"

• All proceeds benefit Midland-based Kenya Widows and Orphans Ministry

MIDLAND, TEXAS - Kick for Kenya 1K/5K/10K has been scheduled for Saturday, November 11, at GCR Church of Christ, 3500 W. Golf Course Road, Midland.

KWO Ministries is proud to welcome you to one of the premier running events in the Permian Basin. Over the last nine years, Kick for Kenya has become one of the largest and longest-running charity races in the area, featuring a 10K-5K-1K format.

The 1K Kids Fun Run will begin at 8:45 a.m. and 5K/10K run will begin at 9 a.m.

All proceeds of this event will go towards KWO (Kenya Widows and Orphans) Ministry. Founded in Midland, their mission is to redeem the lives of Kenyan widows and orphans. KWO is a non-profit ministry that serves 16 orphanages, provides feeding stations, and funds educational opportunities, all while sharing the message of God’s love in Kenya.

To sign up, visit runsignup.com

For more information, visit Tkwoministries.org/kick-for-kenya.

In the News ... "C.S. Lewis On Stage: Further Up & Further In ... this weekend"

• Sunday, November 5 at Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center

Staff Report
• Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center

ODESSA/MIDLAND, TEXAS - From the producers of The Screwtape Letters comes a dazzling, new theatrical experience that takes you further up and further into the spiritual journey of C.S. Lewis.

Sunday, November 5, 2023
Event Starts: 3:00PM
Doors Open: 2:00 PM

Using Lewis’ own words within a vividly immersive, multimedia experience, award-winning actor Max McLean takes you Further Up & Further In the mind and heart of one of the most imaginative and gifted writers in history.

 • More information, and ticket purchases ...

In the News ... "Tom’s Coats kicks-off"

• Donation locations in Odessa and Midland

By Lauren Munt, Reporter
• KOSA-TV

ODESSA/MIDLAND, TEXAS - As the temperatures drop, many West Texans are struggling to stay warm, that’s why Chief Meteorologist, Tom Teffertiller is hosting a coat drive.

We’re looking for gently-used or new jackets or sweaters for the drive.

You can donate jackets and coats at the sites listed below.

• Frost Bank - 2 Midland locations

4101 Midland Dr.
800 W. Wadley Ave.

• Frost Bank - 2 Odessa locations

3501 Faudree Rd.
2710 N. Grandview Ave.

• Odessa College

Saulsbury Campus Center, 201 W University Blvd.

• CBS7 Studios at the Music City Mall

4101 E. 42nd St., Suite J-7

• All American Chevrolet of Odessa

5020 John Ben Shepperd Pkwy.

In the News ... "H-E-B Feast of Sharing event happens Friday in Midland"

MRT Photo by Mercedes Cordero

• Information about event, and volunteer opportunities

By Ben Shaffer
• Midland Reporter-Telegram

MIDLAND, TEXAS - H-E-B will hold its Feast of Sharing event at the Horseshoe Pavilion on Nov. 3.

This year, H-E-B’s mobile kitchens will serve traditional Texas-style meals. Each event includes music, activities for families and a variety of free services like health and wellness screenings and flu shots, according to H-E-B. ...

 • Read the rest of this MRT report ...

 • Sign-up To Volunteer Through West Texas Food Bank

In the News ... "Kick for Kenya 1K/5K/10K"

• All proceeds benefit Midland-based Kenya Widows and Orphans Ministry

MIDLAND, TEXAS - Kick for Kenya 1K/5K/10K has been scheduled for Saturday, November 11, at GCR Church of Christ, 3500 W. Golf Course Road, Midland.

KWO Ministries is proud to welcome you to one of the premier running events in the Permian Basin. Over the last nine years, Kick for Kenya has become one of the largest and longest-running charity races in the area, featuring a 10K-5K-1K format.

The 1K Kids Fun Run will begin at 8:45 a.m. and 5K/10K run will begin at 9 a.m.

All proceeds of this event will go towards KWO (Kenya Widows and Orphans) Ministry. Founded in Midland, their mission is to redeem the lives of Kenyan widows and orphans. KWO is a non-profit ministry that serves 16 orphanages, provides feeding stations, and funds educational opportunities, all while sharing the message of God’s love in Kenya.

To sign up, visit runsignup.com

For more information, visit Tkwoministries.org/kick-for-kenya.

In the News ... "'H-E-B Feast of Sharing' coming to Midland November 3"

• Information about event, and volunteer opportunities

Staff Report
• H-E-B Newsroom

MIDLAND, TEXAS - The holiday season is around the corner, and H-E-B is excited to welcome back our neighbors as we prepare to celebrate at our annual H-E-B Feast of Sharing dinners.

The Midland event has been set:

Friday, November 3
4 pm – 8 pm
The Midland County Horseshoe Pavillion
2514 Arena Trail, Midland TX 79701

Opinion ... "Donate to organizations that help the homeless"

Courtesy Photo

• Panhandling is a big business in Midland; it doesn't have to be

By Karl Boroski, Contributor
• Midland Reporter-Telegram

MIDLAND, TEXAS - Every weekend, Backyard Midland feeds and visits with the homeless. I go out on Sundays, and other friends go out on Saturdays. We feed about 30 on the street every weekend.

Midland doesn’t have a homeless problem. The only problem is for the 30 sleeping on the street.

In Midland, we have organized panhandling, and most you see on the corners and intersections are not homeless. They are individuals that I refer to as “Panhandling Pimps,” who have several people working for them. They basically drop off and pick up their workers and get half of what their workers collected.

When I go out feeding, one stop is the southside Wal-Mart parking lot, where there are several people living in their cars. One Panhandling Pimp watches over his people that work the intersection by the McDonald’s. I was told that intersection can make up to $400 a day. I also know of another group that has three or four ladies who will be dropped off at different intersections with the same sign. Their signs state that they have kids and need rent money and food. This has turned into big business for them and that is why they do it. The real homeless I know do panhandle, but when they get enough for their beer, cigarettes and food, they are out of there.

If you really want to help the homeless donate to a local organizations like Breaking Bread, the Baptist Crisis Center or the Soup Kitchen. As long as there is easy money out there, we will continue to see people taking advantage of the generosity of Midlanders.

In the News ... "Kick for Kenya 1K/5K/10K"

• All proceeds benefit Midland-based Kenya Widows and Orphans Ministry

MIDLAND, TEXAS - Kick for Kenya 1K/5K/10K has been scheduled for Saturday, November 11, at GCR Church of Christ, 3500 W. Golf Course Road, Midland.

KWO Ministries is proud to welcome you to one of the premier running events in the Permian Basin. Over the last nine years, Kick for Kenya has become one of the largest and longest-running charity races in the area, featuring a 10K-5K-1K format.

The 1K Kids Fun Run will begin at 8:45 a.m. and 5K/10K run will begin at 9 a.m.

All proceeds of this event will go towards KWO (Kenya Widows and Orphans) Ministry. Founded in Midland, their mission is to redeem the lives of Kenyan widows and orphans. KWO is a non-profit ministry that serves 16 orphanages, provides feeding stations, and funds educational opportunities, all while sharing the message of God’s love in Kenya.

To sign up, visit runsignup.com

For more information, visit Tkwoministries.org/kick-for-kenya.

Still Time To Register The St. Francis 5K & 1K Fun Run - October 21st.

THIS SATURDAY MORNING, October 21, at Christ Church Anglican, Midland

Start the morning off with a run, walk, or jog with your furry friend through Mockingbird Heights and then enjoy the family friendly festivities at the Festival of St. Francis. Don't have a pet? No worries, you will still enjoy St. Francis 5K & 1K Fun Run with your friends and family!

RACE DETAILS

WHAT: St. Francis 5K & 1K Fun Run
WHEN: Saturday, October 21, 2023. (8:30am -1K begins, 8:45am - 5K begins)
WHERE: Christ Church Anglican (5501 N. Midkiff Rd., Midland, TX)
FEES: $20 - 1K Fun Run, $30 - 5K

RACE PERKS

What do you get when you register for the St. Francis 5K & 1K Fun Run?

Race Swag - Custom race bib, Grey long sleeve T-shirt (available in both kids and adult sizes)
Midland Athletic Company - Gift Cards 1st - 3rd Male & Female
Drawings for fun PRIZES from Midland Athletic Company & Chick-fil-A
FREE breakfast provided by Texas Roadhouse
FREE entry to Festival of St. Francis - Live music, vendors, kid zone & art show

REGISTER NOW

In the News ... "Faith Church Midland to hold 'Day of Faith' conference"

FCM Poster

• “To help grow their faith, reignite their faith or, for some of those out there, to learn what faith is”

By Ben Shaffer
• Midland Reporter-Telegram

MIDLAND, TEXAS - Faith Church Midland will host a Day of Faith Conference on Oct. 7 at the Petroleum Club.

This is the first year the event is being held ...

 • Read the rest of this MRT report ...

Reaching Out on Behalf of MRC&CAC

I am now three weerks into retirement ... but that doesn't mean I'm not keepng busy!

 One of the things I’m doing in retirement, is public service work. Once again this year, I’m a ‘Shoe Guy,’ volunteering and raising funds for the Midland Rape Crisis and Children’s Advocacy Center through their annual ‘Wine, Women & Shoes’ event.

 The MRCCAC ( https://www.mrccac.org/ ) provides support, hope, and healing for survivors of sexual assault and child abuse in the Permian Basin. Their goal is to eradicate all forms of abuse through education and empowerment, but until that day they will provide every service possible for survivors to help them move forward.

I have had more than a little contact with MRCCAC and their personnel, and have seen them at work. Their service to our community is INVALUABLE, and worthy of our support.

Please give thoughtful, prayerful consideration to visiting Midland Rape Crisis and Children's Advocacy Center (givelively.org) and making a contribution.

Thank you for attention, and your assistance!

Sincerely,

Jeff McDonald

Reaching Out on Behalf of MRC&CAC

I am now three weerks into retirement ... but that doesn't mean I'm not keepng busy!

 One of the things I’m doing in retirement, is public service work. Once again this year, I’m a ‘Shoe Guy,’ volunteering and raising funds for the Midland Rape Crisis and Children’s Advocacy Center through their annual ‘Wine, Women & Shoes’ event.

 The MRCCAC ( https://www.mrccac.org/ ) provides support, hope, and healing for survivors of sexual assault and child abuse in the Permian Basin. Their goal is to eradicate all forms of abuse through education and empowerment, but until that day they will provide every service possible for survivors to help them move forward.

I have had more than a little contact with MRCCAC and their personnel, and have seen them at work. Their service to our community is INVALUABLE, and worthy of our support.

Please give thoughtful, prayerful consideration to visiting Midland Rape Crisis and Children's Advocacy Center (givelively.org) and making a contribution.

Thank you for attention, and your assistance!

Sincerely,

Jeff McDonald

Reaching Out on Behalf of MRC&CAC

I am now three weerks into retirement ... but that doesn't mean I'm not keepng busy!

 One of the things I’m doing in retirement, is public service work. Once again this year, I’m a ‘Shoe Guy,’ volunteering and raising funds for the Midland Rape Crisis and Children’s Advocacy Center through their annual ‘Wine, Women & Shoes’ event.

 The MRCCAC ( https://www.mrccac.org/ ) provides support, hope, and healing for survivors of sexual assault and child abuse in the Permian Basin. Their goal is to eradicate all forms of abuse through education and empowerment, but until that day they will provide every service possible for survivors to help them move forward.

I have had more than a little contact with MRCCAC and their personnel, and have seen them at work. Their service to our community is INVALUABLE, and worthy of our support.

Please give thoughtful, prayerful consideration to visiting Midland Rape Crisis and Children's Advocacy Center (givelively.org) and making a contribution.

Thank you for attention, and your assistance!

Sincerely,

Jeff McDonald