Project Big Love Magazine

Magazine 

2016 

annual report 

A POWERFUL YEAR 

WHY WE DO WHAT WE DO 

ISSUE #03 | JANUARY 2017

WHY WE DO WHAT WE DO 

can remember, as a kid, not 

always having a new pair of 

I 

shoes to return to school. I 

can remember using “shoe goo” 

to repair last year’s shoes until 

Mom and Dad could afford a new 

pair. I can remember what it felt 

like to walk into school, on the first day, and 

fearing the teasing that might take place based 

on my appearance. 

to school with an extra boost of confidence 

that can come with something as simple as a 

new pair of shoes. I can remember when my 

brothers and I would get a new pair of shoes; 

we thought we could run a little faster and 

jump a little higher. Project Big Love is hoping 

we can help kids run a little faster, jump a 

little higher, dream a little bigger, and go a 

little further. And, yes, we believe a new pair 

of shoes can help do that. 

Site Team Lead Steve Bowders & Zachary Stough 

Admin Team Lead Tammy Duty 

Community Services Ramona Torres 

Prayer Team Lead Detsie Harrison 

contents 

02 - Why We Do What We Do 

My hope is to put new shoes on as many kid’s 

feet as possible. My hope is that they can return 

~Shon Duty 

Lunch Lead Shawn Wetzel 

Groceries Lead John McElroy & Linda Altizer 

Guest Services Sheliea Athey & Kelly Gates 

04 - We Are Thankful 

06 - A Record Year by the Numbers 

Haircuts 

Kelly Miller (New Reflections Salon) 

08 - Big Prep Equals Big Love 

Health Services Kayla Schwab & Linda Glee 

Kids Zone Bev Hill 

10 - A Very Special Harvest 

Media Relations 

Denise Bonura 

12 - PBL 2016 in Review 

Safety Team Lead John Athey & Rob Glee 

Site Entertainment Brandon Burkett 

Photography Kaila Burkett 

14 - Big Love Quotes 

16 - The Power of Partners 

Shon and Sonny Duty ~1975 

Shoes Jay Standridge 

Graphics/Editor Derek Paulo 

18 - Looking to PBL 2017 

Social Media Alyssa Davis 

Backpacks Elaine Bowders 

Thanks to our faithful supporters, thousands of people 

in our community were served in 2016. 

Portraits 

Julie Miller 

Transportation 

Special Needs 

Marvin Worthy 

Renee Wetzel 

Board of Directors 

President 

Vice President 

Executive Director 

Members 

Shon Duty 

Tammy Duty 

Curt Snyder 

Brandon Burkett 

Renee Wetzel 

Tracey Schmuck

From the Founders 

We Are Thankful... 

We are thankful to live in a community that joins together to impact the lives of so many 

children in Franklin County and surrounding areas. With the generosity and support of area 

churches, businesses, and citizens, Project Big Love is able to help prepare young people to 

return to school. 

In 2016 we had the honor and privilege of serving 2,710 guests of honor. Our guests received 

backpacks filled with school supplies, new shoes, hair cuts, groceries, and much more. But, the 

greatest thing they received was the knowledge that their community cared and that Jesus 

loves them. And, without a doubt, the lasting imprint on their lives is immeasurable. 

Mere words cannot express enough the thanks and gratitude we have for our donors and 

volunteers. Their commitment to the children in our community is overwhelmingly evident 

in their willingness to sacrifice of their resources and time. We look forward to joining with 

them and you as we begin to prepare for Project Big Love 2017! 

Shon & Tammy Duty 

Shon and Tammy have been married 30 years and call 

Pennsylvania home. They own and operate ScrapRight 

Software in addition to serving their community through 

Kaimon’s Call. Both feel strongly that you give because you 

received. They consider it a privilege to be able to reach 

and impact their little piece of the world. 

4 ProjectBigLove Magazine www.ProjectBigLove.org ProjectBigLove Magazine www.ProjectBigLove.org 5

2,710 

GUESTS OF HONOR 

1,639 

PAIRS OF SHOES 

1,581 

BACKPACKS W/SUPPLIES 

4,260 

BAGS OF GROCERIES 

A RECORD YEAR 

2016 

BY THE NUMBERS 

Even with the rain, our 4th year proved to 

be Project Big Love’s most impactful year 

yet! 

Strong support from local churches, 

businesses and the community helped 

us to provide services to 2710 guests of 

honor! Through the generosity of over 

800 volunteers, we were able to provide 

1639 pairs of shoes and 1581 backpacks 

w/supplies to children in need who were 

getting ready for their school year. Nearly 

25 tons of food were distributed and 

almost 3000 hot lunches were provided 

at no cost to our attendees. 

In addition to the many physical needs 

that were met, the spiritual impact was 

enormous. Over the course of PBL’s existence 

over 50 people have given their 

lives to Christ through this event, and 97 

area churches have united to do the work 

of the Church together. 

A PBL team member applies face 

paint to one of our guests of honor 

2,996 

HOT LUNCHES 

Let’s make 2017 even better next year! 

Thank you all for your involvement, 

prayers, and support! 

ProjectBigLove Magazine 

www.ProjectBigLove.org 

7

BIG DAY 

BIG PLAN + BIG PREP + BIG PRODUCTION = BIG LOVE 

Volunteers assemble one of the 

many tents for PBL16 

10,000 

VOLUNTEER HOURS 

800 

VOLUNTEERS 

300 

INDIVIDUAL DONORS 

97 

CHURCHES 

65 

LOCAL BUSINESSES 

30 

TENTS/DEPARTMENTS 

15 

BANDS/ENTERTAINERS 

12 

BOUNCE HOUSES 

A Big Plan: There are many different facets that are involved 

in making Project Big Love a success. First and foremost, Project 

Big Love never stops. Project Big Love’s board members meet 

throughout the year to plan, prepare, and most importantly, pray. 

As soon as one year’s event is complete, planning for next year’s 

event begins. What worked? What didn’t? What else can we do? 

What can we do better? Much collaboration takes place behind 

the scenes to make Project Big Love the very best it can be. 

Big Preparation: The board joins forces with Project Big Love’s 

team leaders and co-leaders who give diligently of their time 

and efforts, as their responsibilities begin in January and continue 

to the big day in July. Seven months of meeting, fund raising, 

and organizing takes place to ensure their team is ready 

to extend God’s Big Love. So, what does all of this preparation 

entail? Supplies must be ordered, volunteers must be recruited, 

and last year, corn had to be harvested, literally, by our leaders 

and volunteers. They meet with local churches, businesses and 

community organizations to share what Project Big Love is all 

about and how it is impacting our community and future, one 

child and family at a time. 

All of that preparation begins to take shape just days before the 

event. Our site manager and his team lead the charge. Fencing 

must be erected, tents must be raised, bounce houses must be 

brought to life, and every supply, no matter how big or small, 

must be trucked to the location. Shoes, backpacks, groceries, 

lunch supplies, photo studio equipment, salon chairs, the list 

goes on and on... .it all must arrive safely and be set up on site 

for the big day. An empty field in Mont Alto, PA is transformed 

into a fair like event It is truly a site to see. 

Big Production: It’s go time! Hundreds of volunteers arrive 

early on a summer Saturday morning to do one thing.....Love Big! 

Guest Services welcome our guests with a smile. The lunch team 

grills and serves lunch from the time the event begins until it 

ends. Volunteers in the grocery tent bag and distribute groceries 

tirelessly to each and every family that attends. Kid’s Zone is 

filled with fun and laughter as children simply have one requirement 

that day and that is to have fun. Hair stylists and their 

scissors never stop clipping all day as children receive a fresh 

style for school. And, meanwhile in the shoe tent, each child’s 

feet is washed, measured, and fitted with a new pair of shoes as 

someone tells them, perhaps for the first time, that Jesus loves 

them. 

Is it hard work? Yes. Is it worth it? Well, just ask one of our volunteers, 

who happens to manage a shoe store, how it impacted 

her as she heard a young boy exclaim that he just couldn’t wait 

any longer to put on his new shoes. She didn’t receive new 

shoes or wear new shoes home, but never have a new pair of 

shoes impacted her as much as that pair of shoes did that day. 

This year, we need you. We need your help. This year, Project 

Big Love will be held on July 29th. Can your business contribute 

of your time and resources to an organization that makes a huge 

impact in the lives of those in your community? Can you lead a 

fund raising event to help secure funds to purchase backpacks 

and shoes so that children can have an extra boost of confidence 

for the new school year? Can you volunteer and give of your time 

to help make Project Big Love 2017 a success? We cannot do it 

without every person who willingly gives of themselves to make 

our piece of the planet a better place! You can make a difference! 

You can Love Big!! 


A VERY 

Special Harvest 

P 

roject Big Love 2016 

received a unique 

and special donation. 

Sunny Mountain 

Farms in Biglerville, PA planted 

a field of corn specifically for our 

event. And, our leadership team 

and volunteers had the privilege 

of harvesting the corn. We are 

grateful for Sunny Mountain 

Farm’s generous spirit. 

One must understand two things 

about harvesting corn. First, the 

ears of corn tend to blend in with 

the stalk. Second, some of the 

stalks are lying on the ground. 

As I picked corn, I heard two voices. 

One, was my grandmother who 

planted, raised, and harvested 

corn from childhood. Her voice 

said, “Slow down, you’re missing 

some.” She spoke that often to 

her grandchildren as they passed 

by corn that blended in with 

the stalk and became invisible 

to their eyes. Not to mention, 

they just wanted to be finished 

harvesting and get on with what 

they wanted to do. The other was 

the Holy Spirit. He whispered to 

me as I stepped on a corn stalk,, 

“The harvest is at your feet. 

Don’t trample it.” 

someone to remind them that 

God loves them? After all, we 

pass them everyday at work, in 

the market, or in our very own 

homes. They blend in to our 

surroundings and, like some ears 

of the corn, they go unnoticed. 

How often do we trample on 

the least of these, because we 

are too busy running to and fro, 

consumed with our own busy 

schedules, pre-occupied with 

our own cares and worries, or 

caught up in things much more 

insignificant, such as the latest 

texts, notifications, and tweets, 

or simply because they can offer 

us nothing in return? So, we just 

walk on. 

What an incredible love was 

demonstrated for each of us 

when God sent His only Son (John 

3:16). And, what an incredible 

sacrifice it was when Jesus was 

willing to become the least (Phil 

2:8). God help us not to become 

too blind, busy, or proud that we 

would miss the people you have 

placed in our path. Help us to 

slow down, unplug, and be who 

you have called us to be, lest one 

goes unseen or trampled. 

~Tammy Duty 

How often do we pass by 

individuals that need a kind 

word, a helping hand, or 


2016 

PBL IN 

REVIEW 

Occasional rain and a severe thunderstorm watch were not enough to keep people away from 

Project Big Love, which had its biggest event on record in 2016 at the Mont Alto Carnival Grounds. 

O 

ccasional rain and a severe thunderstorm 

watch were not enough to keep people away 

from Project Big Love, which had its biggest event on record 

at the Mont Alto Carnival Grounds. 

The annual event is a huge local undertaking that supplies 

families in need with a variety of supplies for the upcoming 

school year — ranging from backpacks to shoes to haircuts. 

This year was the biggest year yet for Project Big Love, which 

had 2,700 guests of honor — almost 600 more than in 2015. 

They received 1,550 pairs of shoes, 1,581 backpacks, 3,000 

lunches and 279 haircuts. Project Big Love was staffed by 

around 1,000 volunteers and had representation from 90 

different churches. 

“The volunteer level has been the highest of all four years 

and this year has been by far the most successful,” said Shon 

Duty, the event’s lead pastor. 

“I’m telling you, if you can imagine for a couple of minutes 

how many folks would have come out but looked at the 

forecast and didn’t come out because of (the rain) ... I prayed 

that the forecast would change and it did change a little bit,” 

said Duty. 

Duty also said that it was amazing that Mont Alto did not 

see the majority of the day’s storms until the distribution was 

close to wrapping up. 

Duty started Project Big Love with his wife, Tammy after 

being involved with the Convoy of Hope — a similar program 

in Washington County, Maryland. He understood the need for 

programs like this after growing up poor in California. 

Project Big Love calls its visitors guests of honor and there 

are also many adults in need of assistance. An estimated 

8,000 bags of groceries were given away and there were 

human services and health care outreach and an onsite job 

fair. 

“I feel like it’s a good opportunity to reach out to people 

that wouldn’t otherwise come into our offices. It lets people 

know what we can provide for them and it’s a great way to 

rally around families in need,” said Nicole Nicholson, who was 

manning the information tent for Franklin County Head Start. 

After each year’s event Duty tries to look what can be done 

better in the future and this year it was busing and family 

portraits, both of which were added this year. The day saw 

127 family portraits and about people arriving by bus. Over 

the course of next year, the goal is to refine these additions 

as well as get the word out to more people that they are 

available. 

By Zach Glenn zglenn@therecordherald.com 


BIG LOVE FROM OUR 

GUESTS OF HONOR 

his love known through everyone that was part of this event. 

Praise God for Project Big Love! God bless!” 

~BW 

“Absolutely amazing, so grateful for Project Big Love. This is 

my first year attending with my step daughter, and couldn’t 

be happier about the kindness of all the volunteers. Everyone 

was so helpful, and there was so much positive energy even 

through the brief rain.” 

~KS 

“Many churches uniting as 

THE church. Great people 

filling a great need.” ~JL 

AAmazing charity that not only benefits the community 

but brings individuals from all walks of life 

together in peace and unity! ~JS 

“I have been going to PBL since it started. I was a guest of honor for 2 years but volunteer rang loudly to me. Proud to say 3 

of us will be volunteers again. We all come together to praise GOD and share his word with anyone who wants to know him. 

Blessed be his name and to him all the glory. My faith keeps growing and the knowledge I have learned from being a guest to 

now volunteer is powerful. Thank you for an outstanding community outreach for everyone. If not for the blood of our savior 

Jesus who carried away all our sins so that we can have everlasting life. No man should ever deny him. Praises to the highest.” 

~CH 

“What a blessing this event is to the community. The love of Christ being poured out into families. Wow, I’m so blown away by 

this event. Hopefully next year my children will be able to volunteer with me. I would love to see them have an opportunity 

to help others in such a small but big way. I just can’t wait for the next event. God is moving in Franklin County and making 

“Awesome show of the love of Christ. Keep doing what you do 

for the glory of God. This is bigger than you know. GOD will 

use your vision in so many other states, cities, countries. .you 

will infect and a affect nations. In JESUS name.” 

~MJ 

“What an AMAZING ministry to the community! God bless all 

the volunteers who serve at this event, and all the churches 

and local businesses, who donated to this public showing of 

Christ-like love towards others!” 

~LM 

“What a great way to 

share and show the 

love of Christ. This is the 

church in action!” ~CC 

“Today was my first time helping and I was honored to be a 

part of the cleaning crew! I saw so many precious children 

and their families today and the smiles on their faces made 

my day!!!! God is sooo good!!!! I was so blessed today and I 

am planning on helping out again next year!!!! To God be the 

glory great things he has done!!!!!!!! “ 

~PB 

“This was a wonderful event! Truly a blessing from God!! 

Everyone was so sweet, friendly, caring and welcoming souls. 

Absolutely wonderful to see everyone get together when 

people like my family and I are in need of some help! Thank 

you Project Big Love for all you have done today!! “ 

~JY 

“It was an amazing event. This year was the first time I went 

and took my daughter and she had a great time. Will definitely 

be going back next year for #biglove17.” 

~CJC 

“The event was truly a blessing for many people in need! I 

actually saw God working miracles today with many folks 

including myself. It was an honor to be there today! I am 

excited for next year!” 

~LBD 

“Love it so much fun as a family outing. Very nice staff members. 

This was our 3rd year and will continue to keep going.” 

~AM 

“:) :) I’m truly amazed at how wonderful and kind these people 

are, doing such a loving devotion. Bless all of the volunteers 

that take their time to donate themselves and their gifts to 

those less fortunate.” 

~CT 


THANK YOU PARTICIPATING 

CHURCHES! 

ANTRIM CHURCH 

BAY CHURCH 

BETHEL ASSEMBLY OF GOD 

BLUE MOUNTAIN CHURCH OF GOD 

BRETHREN FELLOWSHIP 

CALVARY ASSEMBLY OF GOD 

CALVARY CHAPEL 

CEDARBROOK COMMUNITY CHURCH 

CENTRAL BAPTIST 

CENTRAL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 

CHAMBERSBURG BAPTIST CHURCH 

CHAMBERSBURG FIRST CHURCH OF GOD 

CHAMBERSBURG UNITED METHODIST 

CHRIST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 

CHRISTIAN LIFE ASSEMBLY OF GOD 

CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE-SPANISH 

CLAYTON MEMORIAL CHURCH OF GOD 

CM & A CHURCH 

CORPUS CHRISTI 

COVENANT LIFE CHURCH 

CROSS WALK 

CROSSROADS 

DELIVERANCE IN CHRIST CHURCH 

DESTINY CHURCH 

EBENEZER UNITED BRETHREN 

EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN WAYNESBORO 

FAIRVIEW AVE. BRETHREN IN CHRIST 

FAITH WORSHIP MINISTRY 

FAMILY LIFE WORSHIP CENTER 

FIRST COMMUNITY CHURCH 

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 

FIVE FORKS CHURCH 

FREEDOM VALLEY 

GATEWAY MINISTRIES 

GREAT COMMISSION DELIVERANCE MINISTRIES 

GREENCASTLE CHURCH OF GOD 

HAGERSTOWN CHRISTIAN CHURCH 

HAWLEY MEMORIAL PRESBYTERIAN 

HUSTONTOWN CHURCH OF GOD 

IGLESIA VISION CELESTIAL 

JESUS ALIVE MINISTERIES 

JOY EL GENERATION 

JOY EL MINISTRIES 

KING STREET UNITED BRETHREN 

LCBC WAYNESBORO 

LIFEHOUSE CHURCH - LEITERSBURG CAMPUS 

LIFEHOUSE CHURCH - WILSON CAMPUS 

MAUGANSVILLE BIBLE BRETHREN CHURCH 

MERCERSBURG PRESBYTERIAN 

MONGUL CHURCH 

MOUNT OLIVET UBC 

MT. CALVARY TABERNACLE 

MT. TABOR CHURCH 

NEW GUILFORD BRETHREN IN CHRIST CHURCH 

NEW LIFE WORSHIP CENTER 

ORCHARD RIDGE 1ST CHURCH OF GOD 

OTTERBEIN CHURCH 

PRAYING TIME MINISTRIES 

PRINCE STREET CHURCH 

RINGGOLD CHURCH OF CHRIST 

ROUZERVILLE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 

SALEM CHURCH WAYNESBORO 

SALEM UNITED BRETHREN 

SHIPPENSBURG COMMUNITY CHURCH 

SISTER MISSIONARIES 

SOLOMONS EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN 

SPIRT OF CHRIST COMMUNITY CHURCH 

ST. JOHN’S UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST 

ST. MARKS 

ST. THOMAS ASSEMBLY OF GOD 

ST. MARYS 

ST. ANDREW’S 

THE CHURCH OF THE APOSTLES 

THE GOOD SHEPHERD MINISTRIES 

THE LIFE CENTER 

THE OPEN DOOR CHURCH 

TRI STATE FELLOWSHIP 

TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH 

TRINITY UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST 

TRUCKERS MINISTRY 

TWO TOP FELLOWSHIP CHURCH 

UPPER STRASBURG CHURCH OF GOD 

VALOR MINISTRIES 

WAYNE HEIGHTS BRETHERN CHURCH 

WAYNESBORO BIBLE 

WORLD HARVEST OUTREACH 

PARTNER SPOTLIGHT 

Project Big Love would like to thank its partner Donovan 

and Jennifer Yaukey at Phantom Shadow Entertainment, 

without whom the Kid’s Zone would not be possible. 

Phantom Shadow Entertainment has been an invaluable 

partner and friend to Project Big Love since its first event 

in 2013 and we look forward to working with him in the 

years to come. 

Donovan has a huge heart for kids; and, it is evident as he 

and his crew make it possible for the kids to partake in 

Kid’s Zone every year! Phantom Shadow Entertainment 

arrives the day before our big event to set up a myriad of 

bounce houses and games. 

Without a doubt, Kid’s Zone is the highlight of Project 

Big Love for many of our guests of honor, as some of 

the children who attend our event may not have other 

opportunities to partake in such activities. Simply stated, 

Phantom Shadow Entertainment helps us to make Project 

Big Love, to quote one child who attended, “the best day 

ever!” 

THE POWER OF 

PARTNERS 

We are thankful to partner with like-minded 

organizations who provide funds, food, volunteers, 

water, supplies and much more. These 

partnerships are crucial to our work in the 

community each and every year. 

PLEASE JOIN US FOR PBL 2017! 

More of our wonderful partners: 

• DR. KELLY & TIM RIFE 

• RENTALS UNLIMITED 

• DEYOUNG AUCTIONS 

• LEHMAN CONSTRUCTION SERVICES, INC 

• ROCK SOLID CONTRACTING, INC 

• CORNERSTONE FAMILY DENTISTRY 

• BATTERYONE INC 

• LA CAMERAS 

• DOTERRA BY KIMBERLY PETERSON 

• MERIDIAN RECYCLING 

• SOLUTIONS HEARING AID CENTERS 

• GROSS-ERY OUTLET 

• GREENVILLIAGE DRIVE IN 

• RSM SOUND 

• OVER ACHIEVE FITNESS 

• BLUE MOUNTAIN COOKERY 

• MANDY HAJEL THIRTYONE 

• BARRA ORTHODONTICS 

• HOLY YOGA 

• CONSERVIT 

• YOUR BARBER SHOP 

• DL GEORGE & SONS TRANSPORTATION 

• MONTEZUMAS 

• THE WILDFLOWER MARKETPLACE 

• THE MEADOWS 

• PAULA BOND PHOTOGRAPHY 

• A&B DANCE DIMENSIONS 

• SHEETZ GREENVILLAGE PA #178 

• AVON (NICOLE MILLER) 

• STONEHAM’S MOTORSPORTS 


LOOKING AHEAD TO 

#PBL2017 

Project Big Love 

strives to give 

BIG Love and BIG 

help to to families 

and children 

in need. That 

goal comes with 

a BIG budget. 

But, we do know 

a BIG God! 

Project Big Love strives to give BIG Love and 

BIG help to to families and children in need. 

That goal comes with a BIG budget. But, we 

do know a BIG God. We are searching for area 

businesses, churches, and citizens that would be willing 

to partner with us financially. We are already well 

underway in planing for Project Big Love 2017. 

Our three largest areas of need consist of purchasing 

shoes, backpacks with school supplies, and groceries. 

Our annual budget for the purchase of new, never worn 

shoes is $22,000. For backpacks filled with necessary 

supplies, it is $12,000. And, our anticipated budget for 

groceries next year is $7,500. We have been blessed to 

receive help in the past from area food banks and farmers. 

However, due to budget cuts, one of our previous 

food bank partners is no longer able to assist in grocery 

supply, leaving a large need in that area. 

This year we would also like to provide a t-shirt to 

each volunteer who generously gives of their time 

and energy. We are hoping to find a business sponsor 

who would be willing to fund this cost of $3,000. The 

t-shirts would display the Project Big Love logo on 

front, along with the corporate sponsor’s logo on the 

sleeve. 

All of our business sponsors are listed on our website, 

in our social media posts, and in the newspaper. Our 

diamond sponsors also display their company logo, on 

site, at the tent they helped sponsor. 

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for considering 

a Project Big Love sponsorship and taking on such a huge 

responsibility of letting these kids know that their community 

loves them! 

One of our Project Big Love volunteers overheard a 

conversation in a local store. It was child asking if 

she could get her school supplies. Dad responded, 

“No honey, not this week. Maybe, next week.” Project 

Big Love wants to help parents not have to choose 

between purchasing food for their families or school 

supplies for their children. Would you consider partnering 

with us to make that a reality for families and 

children in need. 

PLEASE PARTNER WITH US IN 2017 

Thank you for considering partnering with Project Big 

Love to help make Project Big Love 2017 a success. All 

donations are tax deductible. 


Just $15 provides a child with new 

shoes and a backpack filled with 

school supplies, and the smiling 

face of hope as they enter their 

school year. Priceless! 

206 MADISON ST, WAYNESBORO, PA 17268 

GET STARTED AT 

projectbiglove.org/donate

Project Big Love Magazine

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