Wheels of Blessings August Newsletter

Queen of The Apostles Volunteer Spotlight

This month we highlight our Queen of the Apostles teams and volunteers.

Two teams, led by Mary Kane and Deacon Zeke, go out the third and fourth week each month. Volunteers supply sandwiches, snacks, water, and Gatorade. There is always an extra treat of homemade cooking by Jean Marie Panzica, whether it be chili or soup in the winter months, or Jean's special oatmeal, cool snacks, and cookies for the summer months. Other volunteers provide homemade fudge and cake. 

Pictured below, after much shredding, is a ham meal made by Tina Goff and Judy Dobies in the church kitchen. Thanks to Bob in the meat department at Food Lion, who offered a sizable discount for the ham hock.

Fifth Station Partners is a nonprofit organization serving the greater Gastonia, North Carolina area and beyond. We began our charitable work in 2025 by providing coats to children in need, and quickly expanded to supplying essential items for people of all ages.

Click here to learn more about Fifth Station Partners

Wheels of Blessings is grateful for the generous partnership from Fifth Station Partners who have provided thousands of clothing items, shoes, coats, hats, back packs

and more for the unhoused.

Great relief news! A local church in West Gastonia has agreed to open up a space for a winter shelter. Thanks to their generosity, as well as the hard, persistent work of several entities and individuals. Wheels of Blessings' Sister Carolyn and Judy Dobies joined with Pastor Cody Carpenter, Donna Elliot of Healthnet, Rev. Dickie Spargo, Sallie Hendrick, and Zsusie Kadar, Director of the City of Gastonia's Office of Affordable Housing and Homelessness. We are very thankful to Ms. Kadar, who has taken the lead in the City of Gastonia government offices to address the issues with active commitment.

Next steps are to identify an agency (501.c.3) that will apply to the Request For Proposal beginning September, 1st 2026.

They are also seeking a qualified and experienced Director of Operations to lead the planning and execution of the shelter.

For more information on the RFP click below.

Our faithful Hispanic community in Gastonia provided 100 home made Cuban sandwiches and gatorades to take out for a second year in a row. This is a special meal for the unhoused made with love and delivered warm the same day. Paired with ice-cold gatorades, this is a treat so many enjoy.

THANK YOU!

Riguey Gomez

Juan Garcia

Diana Salazar 

Ariel Salazar

Andrew Peña 

This photo, taken by Mary Kane, shows the "Safe Place" our unhoused friends may briefly find when Wheels of Blessings rolls up.

Gaston County RFP Info

We ask your prayers as Wheels of Blessings' new program, Nurturing on Wheels (N.O.W.), rolls into action. 

Hope Fest is a community-wide event that provides resources and services free of charge to community members who are experiencing homelessness. Those attending will have access to a shower and laundry trailer, receive free haircuts, free meals, free supplies, and more.

Wheels will be a vendor this year providing care bags, first aid supplies and cold drinks. Come see us!

Your generosity and support mean so much to so many. Our bright green shirts get noticed, and many call us by name, just as we call them by theirs. The love we exchange reminds us that this world is better because of the simple human need to love and care for one another.