How to help new organization dedicated to helping widows, single moms

A new organization called LoveMonkey Ministries works to assist area widows and single parents with basic “neighborly” tasks by connecting them to volunteers from area churches and other Christian organizations.

Depending on the availability of volunteers in a particular area, the nonprofit offers assistance ranging from yard work and basic household chores to simple repairs, shopping assistance and tutoring.

Kevin Beavon, founder and director, says the organization’s name comes from the burden all Christians carry to love God and love their neighbor. “That’s the monkey on the back of all Christians,” he explains.

“There was a time when people naturally looked out for their neighbors and helped them with basic tasks when they needed something,” Beavon says. “Most of us can’t name the neighbors around us anymore. LoveMonkey wants to see churches in our communities take a lead role in re-establishing a sense of community involvement. Because sometimes ‘love your neighbor as yourself’ means your actual neighbor.”

LoveMonkey focuses its attention on widows and single parents. “We needed to focus our attention in order to be productive,” Beavon says. “Scripture gives special attention to caring for widows and orphans. We felt like helping widows and single-parent families was very much in line with this teaching.”

LoveMonkey is starting services in the Beavercreek area, with the assistance of Beavercreek Christian Church. The hope is to partner with other churches in Beavercreek to better serve the needs of that community. The group is also looking for other church partners around the Miami Valley to offer the same type of assistance in other neighborhoods.

As a new non-profit, LoveMonkey is in need of some basic donations to help with the projects they commonly offer.

Here’s what they can use:

  • Rakes
  • Shovels
  • Gloves
  • Clippers
  • Other yard tools
  • Hammers
  • Screwdrivers
  • Wrenches
  • Drills
  • Other assorted hand tools
  • Mowers
  • Edgers
  • Trimmers
  • An enclosed or flatbed trailer for moving equipment and/or storage

How to donate:

Donations of supplies for LoveMonkey are accepted from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday or by appointment at Beavercreek Christian Church, 3009 Shakertown Road, Beavercreek.

Monetary donations can also be given at lovemonkey.org and volunteers are always needed.

Widows and single parents from the Beavercreek area in need of assistance should call LoveMonkey at (937) 319-1589. Churches interested in partnering with LoveMonkey should email Kevin Beavon at kevin@lovemonkey.org.


HELPING OUR COMMUNITY

Each week Meredith Moss profiles a non-profit organization in our area and its specific needs. If your group has a wish list it would like to publish, contact Meredith: MMoss@coxohio.com

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