How I Became A Part of Tim's Gift

In 2015 the NC Division of Services for the Blind was helping me with job placement. I had recently graduated from the NC Rehabilitation Center for the Blind to learn how to be a productive citizen in this crazy world in which we live. I did not have much work experience because I was diagnosed with Leukemia when I was 20 years old. I had worked at Sampson Regional Medical Center for a short period of time as a unit secretary while I attended Nursing School. The NCDSB suggested I volunteer to get more experience.

 

My mom had a friend living in Texas who would visit her grandmother in Clinton occasionally. During one visit she was told to try the tacos at Carolina Tortilla. After expressing their likeness to the authentic Texan tacos, we had to give it a try. While parked, waiting for momma to check the place out, I was facing Tim’s Gift. I asked momma, “What is Tim’s Gift?” She said, “All I know is they help cancer patients”. The bells in my head started ringing! I knew this could be the perfect place for me since I was a cancer survivor.

 

The next day I gave Tim’s Gift a call. I must have called the Learning Station because Ms. Becky answered sounding frazzled with a lot of commotion in the background. She said Sam had started working on a volunteer committee and she would call back when more information was available. Some time passed with no word from Ms. Becky. I called her back, but our conversation was not very encouraging for getting volunteer work.

 

I shared with the coordinator at the NCDSB about Tim’s Gift. I did not know it, but the coordinator visited Tim’s Gift. I don’t know much about the visit, so Ms. Becky will share about their time later. To sum it all up, they had a wonderful visit. She told Ms. Becky to give me a chance and she would be glad she did. They had a prayer and the visit ended with tears.

 

During the summer of 2015 I began volunteering at Tim’s Gift. Now, almost 8 years later I am the office manager, and I have loved every minute. I am so grateful for Ms. Becky for taking the chance and giving me the opportunity to be a part of the nonprofit. It is amazing how we are led to things we are supposed to do. They may not be in your plans, but you may learn you wouldn’t have it any other way. Go with the flow, whether it is good or bad, and you may see it all works out in the end. HE will not lead you wrong!

 

A WORD FROM BECKY - When Jennifer Brewer called Tim’s Gift in 2015 to inquire about the ministry’s mission and seek employment, I was in awe of her angelic voice but denied her request for a job. Jennifer called again with an even more impressive phone interview; yet, my uncertainty of how she could do the job was another closed door for Jennifer. Refusing to give up, Jennifer called a third time sharing her genuine desire and belief she would be an asset to Tim’s Gift. I promised to call her back! Three weeks later, I hadn’t given her a call back but God was at work in ways that truly got my attention. A lady from the N.C. Blind Association came to Tim’s Gift and introduced herself with a firm handshake and deisre to talk with me about Jennifer. We sat down at the prayer table and her strong case for hiring Jennifer pulled every heartstring with conviction that Jennifer was a divine blessing God was trying His best to send our way. The lady shared how Jennifer excelled in blind school and could do exemplary tasks that would amaze me. Still, I had reservations! My greatest concern was knowing how to help her do the necessary tasks with her being legally blind. The kind woman kept pressing forth with conviction and passion that Jennifer could perform and be a great asset to the ministry. With a heavy weight of making this decision, I asked the lady if we could pray about it. We joined hands at the prayer table and began praying powerfully as two sisters in Christ seeking confirmation about what was the right thing to do for Jennifer and for Tim’s Gift. When we finished praying, tears were trinkling down out cheeks and the Holy Spirit was gently tendering our hearts and filling that place. Oh, how precious is the power of prayer. Feeling strong conviction, I told her we would give Jennifer a chance and see how things worked out. She told a bold step of faith with blessings never expected. She said the Blind Association would make Jennifer’s computer applicable so she could see the screen, provide special paper with bold lines, and pay her salary the first eight weeks. I was in awe for what I never expected, God had in place all along - but I had to step in faith to hire a young girl who had been through tough times with leukemia when a bad cell - from a bone marrow transplant - left her with very little vision. Wow! How great is our God! The lady and I embraced with tears flowing and faith showing. We celebrated the miracle we witnessed after taking to the Lord in prayer our requests for the right decision for Jennifer’s life and Tim’s Gift future plans. When she left, I called Jennifer with good news that she would be an employee with Tim’s Gift Inc. and the rest is history. Her amazing work ethic and sweet spirit is proof that God provides and puts in place what is right and good for our needs as He answers prayers in His perfect timing. Sending Jennifer to TIm’s Gift was a blessing beyond measure I thank Him for every single day as she shines in proficiency, productivity, and precious Christian character through tough and terrific times. Jennifer and I have bonded as sisters in Christ and best friends who hear His Voice, give help and hope to His children, honor and praise Him out loud in love, and look to Him for goodness and guidance as we walk and work by faith…not sight! Jennifer and I are close to our Lord and one another as we serve Him and share happy days together at Tim’s Gift Inc

 

WHAT IS TIM’S GIFT? When I started working at Tim’s Gift, all I knew was that they helped cancer patients. There are so many people out there that do not know what Tim’s Gift does or only know a little about the nonprofit, and 2023 is its 15th anniversary. Well, Tim’s Gift does so much to help people locally.

 

First of all, it is a Christian based 501c3 nonprofit. The mission of Tim’s Gift is to assist individuals with medical expenses, as well as, giving medical supplies & lending equipment to those who need them.  If we are unable to fulfill the needs someone is requesting, we always have prayer with them to give them hope, encouragement, and know that they are loved.

 

Tim’s Gift operates solely on donations from the community. We give out items such as wheelchairs, walkers, boost/ensure, wound care items, bed pads, depends, bandages, etc. The only thing we ask is to return the equipment when   no longer needed. That way, it can be passed on to the next person who needs the items. If you have any of these items lying around, please send them our way.

 

Tim’s Gift doesn’t receive any grants or government funding. It is important that our supporters continue to show their love with monetary donations. Your donations allow us to continue helping more individuals and families fighting cancer or other medical illnesses. Make a donation by clicking the donate button on our website or Tim’s Gift Inc Facebook page, mailing to 108 NE Blvd, Clinton, NC 28328, or bringing  it to Tim’s Gift. You may also become a monthly donor. No amount is too small! Thank you to all who give in any way from volunteering to giving supplies, equipment, and financially.