The Wright City Church of the Nazarene received $6,000 from the Dave Heiliger Foundation to help the church's Wednesday night program that serves low-income children and teens.The Wednesday night program has been specifically serving low-income families for about seven years. The program provides transportation to and from the program, a hot meal, worship and a Bible lesson as well as aerobic activity time. The kids go home with food for their families.“We celebrate that the Dave Heiliger Foundation has recognized the work here and chosen to partner with us in such a significant way,” said the Rev. Joseph Purl. “What has been given for this use God will bless and multiply to meet the ongoing needs.”Wright City Church of the Nazarene was established in Wright City in 1937. Presently the Revs. Purl and his wife Kimberly Purl are its pastors. It is a protestant church in the Wesleyan-Holiness tradition.Purl said the Wednesday program has grown from a few students to 60-80 children and teens each week. As time and attendance has increased, the need for financial support has too.Michelle Heiliger is a leader with the Dave Heiliger Foundation.“The foundation was set up in my husband’s name to continue his heartbeat in the city he loved. Dave believed in taking care of his people and working hard to ensure that no child is left hungry,” she said.The foundation strives to offer Wright City families support that otherwise cannot be found. Priority is given to children, teens and their families, she said.“We are very fortunate to live in a community that will give so freely to support those in need. We work very hard to make sure each dollar donated makes a significant impact in someone’s life,” Heiliger said.Purl said Wright City is stronger when people work together to help others meet their basic needs.“Our families stick together when they are cared for. That stability offers children the opportunity to stay in school, and parents have hope when they know their neighbors care. We can all partner together to be good neighbors.,” said Purl. “As that happens, our city thrives. To God be the glory.”

The Wright City Church of the Nazarene received a $6,000 gift from the Dave Heiliger Foundation to help with costs associated with the church’s Wednesday night program for children and teens. Here, Michelle Heiliger, foundation board treasurer for the Dave Heiliger Memorial Foundation, gives Pastor Joseph Purl with Wright City Church of the Nazarene the designated gift.

Submitted photo