ACS 403 CENTER NEWS
November–December 2026
Serving Today • Sharing God’s Love • Celebrating the Season of Giving
As Thanksgiving and Christmas approach, our hearts are filled with gratitude for another season of serving our neighbors. At ACS, a warm welcome, a bag of groceries, a winter coat, or a few hours of someone’s time can remind a person that they are valued and not forgotten. This season, we celebrate the people whose compassion makes these moments possible.
“It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
Acts 20:35 (KJV)
New hours: Help Center walk-ins are now Monday–Wednesday, 10:00 AM–12:00 PM. Thursday is Community Support Day — by appointment only, with the Help Center closed to walk-ins. The Thrift Store is open Monday–Thursday, 10:00 AM–1:00 PM.
A Season of Gratitude
Our faithful volunteers are the heart of the 403 Center. Some have served for years, quietly sustaining this ministry through changing seasons. Others joined us recently and discovered a place where their gifts and time matter. We are thankful for both — and for the leaders and volunteers who built the strong foundation on which we continue to serve.
A Full-Circle Story
From Receiving Help to Giving Back
One of the most meaningful stories unfolding at ACS belongs to a veteran who came to us during an exceptionally difficult chapter of life. After serving his country, he faced serious health challenges, disability, and a period without stable housing. He and his family needed help — and found more than donated necessities. They found people who welcomed them with kindness and treated them as part of our community.
Today, he is one of the people extending that same welcome to others. He volunteers with a generous heart, an easy smile, and a special understanding of how important it is to feel included. His joy in giving back is a gift to those around him.
His journey reminds us that circumstances do not define a person — and that, with God’s grace, compassion can come full circle.
Please Note: Our New Help Center & Thrift Store Hours
Help Center walk-ins
Monday–Wednesday
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Thursday Community Support Day
By appointment only
Help Center closed
Thrift Store
Monday–Thursday
10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
November 1: The Health Zone Free Health Clinic
Sunday, November 1 · 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM · Madison Campus Church
607 Larkin Springs Road, Madison, TN 37115. Free dental, vision, and health services, along with mental health support and prayer. First come, first served, while time and supplies last.
November 21: Nashville Praise Symphony Benefit Concert
Saturday, November 21 · Madison Campus Seventh-day Adventist Church
The Nashville Praise Symphony brings together dozens of Christian musicians for an inspiring concert of orchestral and praise music. This special performance benefits the ACS 403 Center, with a love offering collected to help fund food, clothing, and practical assistance for neighbors in need.
Please invite family and friends, enjoy beautiful music, and consider giving generously. Every gift helps turn an afternoon of praise into meaningful help for our community. Mrs. Tennessee will be a special guest attending for a meet and greet as well.
Fill the Food Truck — Symphony Weekend
During the weekend of November 21, help us fill the truck with donations of all kinds for our neighbors! We welcome nonperishable food, clean usable clothing, diapers, household essentials, and other needed supplies. This community-wide collection is separate from our Thanksgiving food box effort; every contribution helps us serve more people.
Thanksgiving Food Boxes — A Special Week of Giving
During Thanksgiving week, ACS plans to distribute special Thanksgiving food boxes to families and individuals we serve. We need donations of nonperishable holiday meal staples such as canned vegetables, stuffing mix, instant potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, canned fruit, and other shelf-stable foods. Financial gifts are also welcome to help complete boxes and meet additional needs.
Christmas All Year Round!
Did you know our thrift store has a beautiful seasonal area with treasures for Christmas and other holidays throughout the year? From festive decorations to special seasonal finds, there is always something to discover. Come shop Christmas year-round — and enjoy knowing every purchase helps support the ministry of ACS! Thank you Lillian and Vicki for your dedicated work making our Boutique inviting.
Christmas at Madison Campus & ACS Volunteer Brunch
December 12 — Christmas at Madison Campus. Join the church community for a special Christmas celebration. Watch for additional program details.
December 13, 10:00 AM–12:00 PM — ACS Volunteer Christmas Brunch. ACS volunteers are invited to gather at Madison Campus Church for a relaxed Christmas brunch, warm conversation, and fellowship together. We look forward to sharing the joy of the season with our 403 Volunteer family.
Winter Needs: Sharing Warmth & Practical Care
Chilly weather brings added challenges for individuals and families with limited resources, particularly those without dependable shelter. Your gifts help us offer warmth, protection, and a measure of comfort when they are needed most.
Warm clothing
- Men’s warm clothing and winter jackets
- Winter socks for men and women
- Long underwear, men & women (S–XL)
- Gloves, hats, sturdy boots
- Rain jackets
Shelter & outdoor essentials
- Warm blankets and sleeping bags
- Tarps and small tents
- Rolling suitcases and waterproof bags
- Hand and foot warmers; rain ponchos
- Weather-resistant sleeping supplies
Clean, usable items are greatly appreciated. Financial gifts also allow us to respond quickly when specific winter supplies are urgently needed. And Bibles are often requested.
Volunteers Needed — Your Schedule Can Make a Difference
Come join us one day a week, several days if you choose, or even once or twice a month can be a tremendous help. We welcome both ongoing volunteers and those whose availability varies. There is no expectation to serve every day.
Immediate needs
Monday–Thursday, 10:00 AM–1:00 PM
Choose one or more days per week or occasional shift that works for you; welcome shoppers and assist with purchases.
Monday–Wednesday, 10:00 AM–12:00 PM
Listen compassionately, meet with guests, and help connect them with assistance. Choose one morning a week or another arrangement that works for you.
We could use one or two volunteers who are comfortable transporting clients to appointments for replacement identification, Social Security cards, or related services one or two Thursdays a week. Trips are coordinated in advance; even once a month or occasional weekly help is valuable.
Help call clients, arrange Thursday Community Support Day appointments, and connect people with local resources. Much of this can be done from home, on your own schedule — no set days, on-site shifts, or regular time commitment required.
Flexible days and times, with no particular weekly shift required. Help sort, fold, organize, and replenish linens and household items whenever you are available.
Other opportunities: Donation receiving, clothing sorting, food preparation, stocking shelves, pricing, store organization, volunteer outreach, and other behind-the-scenes projects. We will gladly find a role that fits your interests and availability.
Your schedule can make a difference.
Once or twice a month, one day a week, or more — we will gladly find a role that fits.
Volunteer with usContact the 403 CenterHoliday Calendar — Dates to Remember
Health Zone free health clinic
7:00 AM–3:00 PM, Madison Campus Church.
Nashville Praise Symphony benefit concert
Fill the Food Truck collection that weekend.
Thanksgiving week
Special Thanksgiving food box distribution; donations needed.
Thanksgiving Day
Center closed.
Christmas at Madison Campus
ACS Volunteer Christmas Brunch
10:00 AM–12:00 PM at Madison Campus Church.
Christmas Day
Center closed.
Any holiday changes to regular Center hours will be announced separately.
Looking Ahead: Caring for the Ministry We Love
We are grateful for the leaders, volunteers, and supporters whose faithful work has shaped ACS through the years. As we carry that mission forward, we are thoughtfully exploring ways to refresh our spaces, make donation handling easier, and keep the Center welcoming and functional for guests, shoppers, and volunteers.
These are opportunities to care for what has been built and prepare to serve future generations. More helping hands, community partnerships, and financial contributions will make a difference as resources allow.
Ways to Be Part of the Ministry
Give
Donate winter necessities, Thanksgiving food box supplies, or a financial gift.
Serve
Volunteer on a schedule that works for you.
Shop
Every thrift-store purchase supports our work.
Pray
Keep our guests, volunteers, and community in your prayers.
Director’s Corner
As the year draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on the many ways God has worked through the people who come through our doors. I have seen longtime volunteers give faithfully, new friends discover the joy of service, and people who once needed assistance begin helping others. These moments remind me that our ministry is about more than what we distribute — it is about the relationships we build and the dignity we share.
Thank you for supporting ACS and honoring the foundation laid by those who served before us. I am grateful to walk alongside you as we continue this work together.
With much love and gratitude,
Shannon Lundeen-Kreuzer
Director, Adventist Community Services 403 Center
“By love serve one another.”
Galatians 5:13 (KJV)