by Lindsey Klyn, marketing manager for MH4H
Several things have changed at Many Hands Market since Store Manager Christi Gabhart moved to Haiti on June 10. However, the team at the Market kept up the tradition of giving with their recent $1,000 donation to Reins of Hope despite Gabhart’s absence. Reins of Hope is a Spencer-based ministry that practices hippotherapy. This form of therapy uses the movements of a horse to improve motor and sensory input.
Reins of Hope began in 1989, as a community service project by the Clay County Conquistadors 4-H group. Children with special needs were introduced to the world of horses, participating in classes that taught about the tack used with horses, grooming, and safety around and on horses. The children were able to interact with horses in ways they never had been able to, while the 4-H participants benefited in sharing their knowledge and skills with eager, excited pupils.
Reins of Hope Instructor Stephanie Mesner-Ficken stated, “We are very thankful for the generous donation from Many Hands Market. Reins of Hope is conducted primarily by wonderful volunteers, so we appreciate this gift, as it will help cover insurance, activity materials, equipment, and operating expenses.”
Many Hands Market has made a local donation each month since opening this past August. To date, the Market has donated $11,000 to local ministries. Like Reins of Hope, Many Hands Market runs primarily because of volunteer support. On average, twenty people volunteer each month at the Market.
Store Manager Karmen Brown commented, “The Market has been blessed with the most awesome volunteers; they are what make the Market run. They are the hands and feet of Jesus, making God real in a broken world right here in Spencer, Iowa.”
– – –
Want to learn more about Many Hands Market? Head over to their webpage for more information!