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`They've lost everything.' Canton pastor has thousands of items for Ukraine refugees

Charita M. Goshay, The Repository
·3 min read

CANTON – For more than 30 years, the centerpiece of the Rev. Anicia Clayton's ministry has been purchasing items to distribute to the community's most needy and vulnerable.

She regularly distributes in-kind donations to such charities as the Canton YWCA and the Domestic Violence Project, as well as individuals.

The founding pastor of Hear the Word Ministries at 2130 31st St. NW is expanding her efforts to include the people of Ukraine and the lives decimated by the current war with Russia.

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The Rev. Anicia Clayton, founding pastor of Hear the Word Ministries in Canton, prepares donations for the people of Ukraine.
The Rev. Anicia Clayton, founding pastor of Hear the Word Ministries in Canton, prepares donations for the people of Ukraine.

More than 2 million Ukrainians have fled their homeland

More than 2 million Ukrainians have fled their homeland, with more than 1 million resettling in Poland.

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Clayton has purchased and collected thousands of items of new and gently worn clothing, shoes, jackets, toiletries, nonperishable foods, first aid items and supplies.

"I've been doing this for years," she said. "It didn't just start with Ukraine. We go to Akron, Alliance, Warren. I go where I feel it's needed."

Clayton, a mother and grandmother, said she was moved by the images of destruction from Ukraine.

Some of items that have been collected by the Rev. Anicia Clayton of Hear the Word Ministries in Canton for people in Ukraine.
Some of items that have been collected by the Rev. Anicia Clayton of Hear the Word Ministries in Canton for people in Ukraine.

Anicia Clayton's unconditional love

"It broke my heart to see those people suffering; they've lost everything," she said.

"I know what it's like to have the gas shut off. I know what it's like to have the electricity off and to have an extension cord running from my neighbor's house to my house so my kids would have power."

Clayton said the giveaway includes reusable tote bags and hundreds of camouflage-pattern handkerchiefs embossed with a Scripture, courtesy of Christine's Creations https://christinescreations.net/

Hear the Word Ministries in Canton is preparing to ship thousands of donated items to Ukraine, including these camouflage-patterned handkerchiefs.
Hear the Word Ministries in Canton is preparing to ship thousands of donated items to Ukraine, including these camouflage-patterned handkerchiefs.

Ministry member Kimberli Quick said Clayton's generosity changes people's lives, noting that she was living in a homeless shelter when they first met.

"She put a pair of $200 shoes on my feet and gave me a $400 suit," Quick said. "It's love. A lot of people don't get to experience unconditional love. I was struggling with family issues. She encouraged me to get a better job because she instills in us that we are worth it. I was struck by how she treated her children. I was changed by the example set by her and her daughter. It made me want to love my kids like that."

The need everywhere is great

With a membership of about 300, Quick said, they provide transportation to people for worship services from as far away as Youngstown.

Clayton said she's seen more need over the years.

"The need is greater," she said. "Some people can't afford to stay in their homes. There's more drug and alcohol use. There's a lot of people who are depressed and suicidal. I work with them all."

The Rev. Anicia Clayton, founder of Hear the Word Ministries in Canton, is organizing donations of items to be sent to Ukraine.
The Rev. Anicia Clayton, founder of Hear the Word Ministries in Canton, is organizing donations of items to be sent to Ukraine.

Clayton said she'll be collecting items for about two more weeks, then she'll start making arrangements for shipment.

To learn more contact Quick at kimberliquick@gmail.com or call 330-936-6418.

Reach Charita at charita.goshay@cantonrep.com

On Twitter: @cgoshayREP

Some of items that have been collected by the Rev. Anicia Clayton of Hear the Word Ministries in Canton for people in Ukraine.
Some of items that have been collected by the Rev. Anicia Clayton of Hear the Word Ministries in Canton for people in Ukraine.

This article originally appeared on The Repository: Canton's Hear the Word Ministries seeks to help suffering Ukrainians