"This is the ministry the Lord put on my heart years ago - to share His love with people," said Kathy Hedenberg Schnee when describing Spend Yourself Ministries, which she founded as an outreach to the homeless. "I do want to share the love of Christ with people, but I don't want to leave them empty-handed. You can't pat them on the head, pray for them and then keep going."
As part of her ministry, Hedenberg Schnee, a resident of Hershey, regularly visits the homeless population in Harrisburg, where she gives out whatever items are needed most, whether it be a blanket, a winter coat or a hat and gloves.
When Hedenberg Schnee meets a homeless person with a particular need, she posts his or her photo on the "Spend Yourself" group Facebook page along with a detailed description of what item that person has asked for. After creating the post, community members generally help to provide what is needed.
For example, one person recently requested a large duffle bag, while another asked for a pair of boots. Both those needs were met. Hedenberg Schnee was also able to provide a homeless man with a bus ticket back to his home in Alabama.
Hedenberg Schnee founded a nonprofit ministry 15 years ago called Joseph's Coats 4 Kids that provided winter coats to children in need in the Harrisburg region. That ministry evolved into Spend Yourself.
"Because I have a heart for children, I founded Joseph's Coats 4 Kids so kids would have new coats and clothes for back to school. (The ministry was named after the biblical story of) Jacob, who loved his son Joseph so much that he gave him a beautiful coat," Hedenberg Schnee explained. "I changed the name of (the ministry) about six or seven years ago. "
The current name of the ministry is based on Isaiah 58:10, which reads, "And if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry, and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday."
Before having health concerns, Hedenberg Schnee spent New Year's Eve sleeping outside for five consecutive years in an effort to raise awareness of homelessness while collecting donations of blankets and winter coats. Currently, she visits Harrisburg on Saturday mornings to minister to the homeless, sometimes accompanied by a friend. "They know me and know my car, and I give out what I have," she said.
Prior to COVID-19, Hedenberg Schnee also helped the homeless in New York City. "I spent a lot of time in Harlem, New York City, because I have friends who have a ministry up there," she stated. "When things are safer again, I will go back."
Those who would like to help Hedenberg Schnee with her ministry are asked to visit the Facebook page to see what items are needed. "There is always a need for blankets and socks year-round," she said. "Socks and underwear are the only (donated items) that have to be brand new. Everything donated that is used and in good condition is a blessing."
She said those who are unable to donate goods are asked to keep the ministry and the homeless population in their prayers.
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