Truth & Grace Fellowship donated $500 to Sarah Bush Lincoln Behavioral Health Services and the Regional Cancer Center after the Mattoon church collected extra tithes for charities special to its members. Church elders selected the organizations to receive the extra donations collected during the month of February.
Melanie Stewart, SBL Basement Bistro Associate, requested the church donate money to SBL Behavioral Health and the Regional Cancer Center. Being an employee, Stewart knows SBL helps patients in need.
“A lot of our patients rely on us for basic needs that they cannot afford,” Bruce Morgan, SBL Behavioral Health Services director, said. “Thank you Truth and Grace Fellowship. For some of our patients, we are their safety net, and the donation is so appreciated.”
Shortly after being diagnosed with breast cancer, Stewart broke her foot, temporarily inhibiting her ability to work. The church organized a chili cook-off fundraiser to provide financial help during treatment. “I had just recently joined the church and they helped me out when they didn’t even know me,” Stewart said. “The church has taught me a lot about giving – even to people I do not know. I suggested Behavioral Health Services and the Regional Cancer Center because they are both near and dear to my heart.”
Stewart experienced the generosity of others when she received cancer treatment from SBL. Now, Stewart is proud to be a part of a church that bands together to give back to the community in a similar way.
Donations to Sarah Bush Lincoln can be directed to the SBL Health Foundation at 217 258-2511.