A ministry group in Staunton is performing a play this Thursday to benefit local families. WMRA's Randi B. Hagi reports.
Todd Dunnings started the organization Nickels & Dimes three years ago to meet his neighbors' needs, one person at a time.
TODD DUNNINGS: We started it by going to the bus hub in Staunton and handing out water on hot days … and while we were handing out water, we started talking to the folks that were in the area, and we found out that there was a lot of need.
Dunnings works at Hollister in Stuarts Draft, but felt called to spend his time off by giving back. After handing out waters on hot days, he started collecting used bicycles with the help of volunteers.
DUNNINGS: I have a guy that fixes them up, and then we hand them out for free … and the bicycle ministry also falls under our prison reentry ministry, where we help people coming out of prison to get back on their feet.
Their next act of goodwill takes place this Thursday, when Nickels & Dimes presents "The Power of Prayer!" a play featuring local actors and musicians. The plot follows a talented but hotheaded college basketball player who goes through trials and tribulations until God steps in. Admission is free, but donations are being accepted to buy Christmas presents for three local families Dunnings encountered through his ministry. The first is a family of eight …
DUNNINGS: … six kids, from I think one and a half, two years old, all the way to 17, I believe, and the parents both work. … And then the other one is a young lady, single mom, and she has two kids, and she just lost her job up in Harrisonburg. And then the third one is one around here. She has four kids … and she's trying to do the best she can with her kids.
The show begins at 6:30 p.m. on December 19th at the First Church of God in Christ in Staunton.
