840 11th Ave; Longview, WA 98632
Phone: 360-423-6730
“Serving as the hands of Jesus” describes the ministry of the Adventist Community Service Center. Betty Coleman, director of the “Center,” notes that when each person is recognized as valuable to God they are treated with respect and Christian dignity.
Every Tuesday morning about 12 - 15 people gather at the “Center.” After a devotional they prepare to assist anyone in our community who needs free clothing, bedding or other items they have on hand. From 30 - 35 families are treated with care each week.
The “Center” also coordinates emergency food boxes with FISH, a local Christian food bank. They provide food for the family for 3 days. 
August brings smiles as needy children are given one set of new clothes and one set of used clothes, just prior to the start of school. For some children, these are the first new clothes they have ever had.
December brings more smiles as parents choose a new and a used toy for each of their children. It helps them preserve their dignity to be able to provide a proper Christmas for their children.
Though everyone who works at the “Center” is a volunteer, there are still many expenses: buying new childrens’ clothing; buying new toys; buying food items not available from FISH as well as the mundane expenses of keeping up the property and the utilities.
Income is generated in two ways. Money may be donated directly to the “Center,” United Way donations can be designated for the center, and the Adventist church has some grant money that is given to the “Center.” All other income is earned from fundraising events. There is the Fourth of July food booth at Lake Sacajawea. Hand made creations are sold. These include quilts, embroidered pillowcases and tea towels, layettes, afghans, etc. Then there are other fundraising events that are not regularly scheduled.
How you can help: Bring good used clothing to the “Center” on Tuesdays (preferred) or place in the drop box in the parking lot. Donate blankets, sleeping bags, other bedding and linens. Kitchen items and small appliances as well as small household items are also needed. (Do not bring mattresses -the health depart
ment does not allow used mattresses to be given away.) Bring non-perishable foods to the “Center” on Tuesdays or the Adventist Church on Saturdays. Contact Betty Coleman about joining these volunteers who serve in the name of Jesus.
Join the Wednesday morning quilters that produce lovely hand made creations.
Adventist community service agencies work under the umbrella of the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA). They are also available to help in times of crisis or disaster, such as after Hurricane Katrina. Worldwide ADRA is well known for its relief and development work among third world countries.