Helping Hands Ministries of Assistance

Apple Tree—Any client who has children registered at a Belton I.S.D. school can register their children during the months of May, June and July for Project Apple Tree.  Students are given clothes, shoes, school supplies, a backpack, personal hygiene products and a haircut.  All items and services are provided at First Baptist Church Belton the Monday before school begins in August.

Benevolence Program—Funded by the Helping Hands 500 Program, the benevolence program assists clients who are in emergency situations.  Clients may speak with our benevolence counselor to explain the nature of their circumstances.   Providing that funds are available, $50 may be used for aid one time per year to provide assistance with rent, utility bills or medication.  Clients may also ask for gas vouchers of $12 or $20 for verifiable medical appointments or job interviews.  All gas vouchers are redeemable at our partner business, Smith Brothers Gas and Grocery on 6^th Avenue.

Bundles of Joy—Clients what have a new baby may receive a layette including feeding supplies, diapers, ointments, clothing, blankets, car seats, strollers and playpens if available.  A special book is given for the parent to read to the child.

Client Choice Food Pantry—Clients are encouraged to come weekly to receive grocery assistance.  Depending on the family size (Single Individual, Regular, Medium or Large Family) clients are allotted a number of canned or boxed goods of food as well as produce, meat, bread and dessert items if available.  Clients are given a choice of any food that is shelved for their taking, thus the food pantry is referred to as "client choice."

Emergency Needs—Special consideration is given to clients with emergency needs such as: birth certificates, Texas Identification cards and drivers licenses in order for clients to gain employment; travel expenses in times of a family emergency; families who have experienced a fire, flood or other tragic loss; fans or heaters in times of extreme weather conditions; any other extreme emergency situation that a client might incur similar to the expels listed.

Holiday Foods Distribution—During the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays all clients of Helping Hands may receive special food packages. Thanksgiving food packages include a turkey as well as other appropriate food items for the holiday while the Christmas packages include a ham and other complimentary dishes.

Household Goods Department—The household department has linens, curtains and household items (such as fans and heaters) for clients who are in need of them.

Medical and Dental Clinic—The Body of Christ Community Clinic is anticipating the grand opening of the free clinic by June of 2010.  The Body of Christ Community Clinic is its own entity, yet works in conjunction with Helping Hands and is located in the back of the Helping Hands building.  The clinic will serve its clients by way of medical and dental needs.  To learn more about the medical and dental clinic to come, visit www.beltonfreeclinic.org.