On August 9, Amy Reeves, Director of Community Relations for Mission Lexington, spoke to the Optimist Club of St. Andrews-Irmo, offering insights into the organization’s vital role in supporting Lexington County residents in crisis.
Founded in 1976 and inspired by the teachings of Matthew 25:40, Mission Lexington provides essential services such as food, clothing, shelter, and financial assistance to those in need. Reeves emphasized that the first step in assisting clients is gaining their trust through an introductory interview. This helps ensure that their needs are clearly understood and met without them feeling stigmatized.
One of the key services provided by Mission Lexington is its food pantry, which serves more than 2,000 clients annually. Clients can visit the pantry once a month to restock on essential food items, many of which are donated by over 70 local churches. Reeves noted that food items suitable for multiple meals, such as pasta, are particularly valuable. The pantry’s current list of most-needed items is available on their website.
Mission Lexington also operates a clothing closet stocked with gently used garments, as well as new underwear and socks. Additionally, the organization fills a critical gap during the summer by providing snack packs to children, a service that many other programs only offer during the school year.
To help children understand the challenges of managing limited resources, Mission Lexington offers a poverty simulation where older children are given a fictitious income and a list of obligations to prioritize, simulating real-life decision-making.
Reeves highlighted the importance of the more than 250 volunteers who keep Mission Lexington running smoothly. These volunteers not only assist with food and clothing distribution but also engage with children while their parents focus on meeting their family’s needs.
Pictured left to right: Amy Reeves receiving a copy of the Optimist Creed from speaker sponsor Steve Odom and Optimist Club President Kerry Powers.
