Piles of clothes nearly reached the ceiling of a warehouse in Norfolk. The clothes ranged from newborn to adult sizes. Some items still had expensive price tags attached to them. The clothes needed to be sorted and hung on racks, which seemed nearly impossible with the endless sea of fabric covering the warehouse. However, a group of Sailors from the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) worked for hours to ensure this task was completed.

The local donors gave the clothes to Union Mission Ministries, a non-profit organization that provides shelter, food, and clothing to homeless people in the community. The organization depends solely on donations and volunteer work from local businesses and groups in order to continue their mission.

"We cannot do the work that we feel we are called to do without the help," said Cindy Smith, the volunteer coordinator for Union Mission Ministries. "This is not just busy work; it's benefitting the lives of people."

Smith said groups from the military frequently volunteer at Union Mission.

"Ninety-nine percent of them are Sailors," said Smith.
Smith also said a group of 30 people working for two hours is the equivalent of 60 hours for one staff member, making volunteer groups extremely valuable.

"They rely heavily on volunteer work and the work of the people who stay here to keep this organization afloat," said Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Fuel) 2nd Class Whitney Beals, a volunteer coordinator aboard George Washington.

Beals has volunteered for many different organizations since joining the Navy, although this was her first time volunteering at this specific location.

Beals said people can easily fall into a routine of taking things for granted, but seeing people without basic human needs puts things into perspective. Her efforts not only help others around her, but allow her to be more thankful for what she has.
"You need to help people," said Beals. "That's just how this works. You have to give back. You constantly have to give back."

Union Mission houses approximately 90 women, 325 men and 48 children in separate shelters every day. In addition to providing them with basic needs, the organization also helps displaced people get IDs and jobs. Their medical needs are taken care of as well. Also, Union Mission offers a free week-long summer camp for kids.

In the past, the military has not only assisted Union Mission by providing volunteer groups, but also by donating things like beds, chairs and desks from buildings that were shutting down. Smith said all of the beds in the new shelter were donated by the military.

After clothes are given to guests staying at the shelter, the rest are sorted and sold in the retail shop near the facility. One-hundred percent of the profits made from the store go directly back to the organization in support of their efforts.
Smith said all donations are welcome. Whether it is clothes, food, or money, any contribution made helps tremendously.

"No gift is too small," said Smith.

For more information on Union Mission Ministries and how you can help, visit www.unionmissionministries.org. George Washington Sailors interested in serving their community can talk to the command religious ministries department or their chain of command to learn more about volunteer opportunities.

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