Broad St. UMC connects community partners through service

By Rev. Peggi Eller, Norwich: Broad Street UMC | Email

Broad St. United Methodist Church (BSUMC) partnered with the United Way of Mid-Rural New York and Sidney Federal Credit Union for a Day of Action on June 17, 2026. Over 4,000 dental hygiene kits were assembled and will be distributed to schools throughout Chenango County. This is one of four assembly days designed to ensure that all schools and students in Chenango County have access to toothbrushes, toothbrush covers, toothpaste, floss, and brushing instructions. A card enclosed in the kit reminds children and parents that baby teeth matter for lifelong dental health. 

Volunteers from BSUMC and other organizations gathered in the church’s Fellowship Hall, enjoying the opportunity to meet one another and work together on this worthwhile project. Volunteers came from the Chenango County Department of Health, Preferred Mutual Insurance Company, Sidney Federal Credit Union, Family Enrichment Network, and NBT Bank, along with members of BSUMC. The entire event took only four hours, meaning the teams assembled 1,000 kits per hour. Many hands truly make light work.

In addition to supporting the United Way of Mid-Rural New York in this effort, BSUMC has expanded its ministry to include a monthly Hygiene and Wellness Program that distributes cleaning supplies, laundry soap, dental products, shampoo, lotion, soap, and other essential hygiene and household items. In May, more than 85 families and individuals were served. Two adolescent boys were especially excited to gather bags of their own that included deodorant, body wash, and their very own toothbrushes and toothpaste.

Helping Hands @ Broad St. supplies products in various sizes to fit individual needs, including items that are individually packaged and especially beneficial for the unhoused population. Helping Hands @ Broad St. is open during the monthly community meal, which serves more than 200 hot meals each month to anyone who wishes to come and eat.

Trisha Munson, co-chair of the Helping Hands @ Broad St. initiative, said, “It makes sense to offer both a meal and an opportunity to pick up necessary items at the same time for efficiency. Many who come benefit from both and might not be able to afford to make an ‘extra’ trip each month.”

Broad St. UMC is located in the city of Norwich in Chenango County. Nearly 50-percent of the population lives at or below the poverty level, including many Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed (ALICE) households. Working in collaboration with other churches and agencies in Norwich, Broad St. UMC seeks to make life better for those living in the community by boldly loving and joyfully serving its neighbors.