MONTAGUE, P.E.I. — Hailey Llewellyn knows the struggles that can come with being a single parent.
“I see the need for people to be helped.”
The Georgetown mother of two had gone through years of struggling to pay bills — a common obstacle for young parents. With so many expenses, it can be tough to put finances where they’re needed, she said.
But she had people to help her through the tougher times. In November, she took part in a mission trip to Puerto Rico, where she gave back by helping people in need and without homes.
The experience moved her. When she returned to P.E.I., she decided she wanted to continue the mission.
“People need help here, too," she said.
With the help of Center Point Church in Montague, she has started an initiative called Servant Heart Outreach to help single parents, low-income families, or whoever may be in need by offering some basic necessities and household items for free.
The first Servant Heart event will take place on Jan. 23 at the Center Point Church building on Brook Street. It will start at 6:30 p.m., and while Llewellyn doesn’t plan to stay all night, she doesn’t plan to turn anyone away.
“It’s open to anyone in need.”
Items being offered include clothing, toys and books. Llewellyn is still seeking donations but has amassed a decent pile of items from community members and church-goers alike, she said.
“The support has been incredible.”
Storing the items until the day of has been a challenge, and Llewellyn is a little concerned whether people will attend or not. But she’s happy – and a little surprised – with how quickly everything came together.
“Typically, I’m not one to lead things or start things,” she said. “This is me putting my heart out.”
The decision to start Servant Heart wasn’t all hers. Her Christian faith has played a huge role in her life, and therefore God may have given her a bit of a nudge, she said.
“It’s just something that He’s put on my heart."
Anyone who takes advantage of the free items is also welcomed to ask volunteers for prayer requests.
Depending on how the first event goes, Llewellyn would like to run Servant Hearts quarterly throughout the year.
