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Thrivent grants support St. John in flood restoration efforts
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By ELISA SAND, Staff Reporter
| 02/13/2013 |
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Restoration of the clothing room at St. John Lutheran Church was made possible through both local fund-raising efforts and two grants through the Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Foundation.
The $20,000 restoration effort, started with a $5,000 Economic Outreach Bridge Grant followed by a local contribution of $10,000 to qualify the church for a $5,000 challenge grant, which was awarded to the church Jan. 23.
St. John Lead Pastor Elizabeth Pagnotta said the grant allowed for the restoration of the basement following water and sewage damage from the spring flooding in 2012.
Restoration efforts included the removal of sheetrock from the floor to a waist-high level, new flooring and new paint.
The basement at St. John Lutheran not only includes the clothing room, which now spans multiple rooms, but also the kitchen and Sunday school rooms.
The grants are available to Lutheran organizations with community outreach programs.
Thrivent's foundation is a private foundation that was founded in 1982. It operates exclusively for charitable, educational and religious purposes. It supports the health and vitality of the Lutheran community.
Tim Campbell, financial associate for Thrivent said the grant awarded to St. John was one of 14 awarded nationwide.
"It's quite an honor to get one of 14 in the nation," Pagnotta said.
The clothing room currently has about 100 visitors per week and a team of 15 volunteers who sort and hang the clothes. Pagnotta said the inventory of items available has expanded beyond clothes and includes shoes and some household items.
The $10,000 local match for the second grant was raised by the congregation through two fund-raisers -- a rummage sale and a Christmas team.
"The community was very generous in their participation and gifts," Pagnotta said.
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©Madison Daily Leader 2013
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