ALTUS – God gave Edna Douglas a “vision” 25 years ago to help people in need and her effort continues today, the self-proclaimed missionary said.
“He (God) gave me the vision and told me how to do it,” she said. “It started in the trunk of my car and then we got three storage units and moved a couple more times. We’re constantly trying to help people with clothes, furniture, prom dresses and whatever they need.”
Douglas, who will turn 69 next month, said she’s tired but won’t give up the Lord’s calling from a quarter-century ago. Her work, under the nonprofit Mission on Wheels, operates out of 118 ½ S. Main Street three days a week with Wednesdays and Fridays dedicated to clothes giveaways for those in need. Mondays are dedicated to accepting donations. The doors are open 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. each day.
Douglas continues to promote Mission on Wheels wherever she can, including radio, newspapers and social media. Douglas is aided by volunteers who work with her each day the nonprofit is open. Those volunteers and financial contributors, she said, are instrumental in keeping the nonprofit a viable option for people in need.
Douglas estimated the nonprofit helps between 250 and 300 families each year. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Mission on Wheels assisted about 10 families with furniture, prom dresses and other giveaways in March. Mission on Wheels offers clothes for men, women, children and newborns.
“We want to help people not only from here (Altus), but from other communities,” Douglas said. “When someone is walking through town, we provide them with a backpack and shoes. I’ve been a missionary practically all my life and I thank God for blessing us and helping us meet the needs of the community.”
Growing up, Douglas was raised to appreciate the things she had.
“We were poor,” she said. “We didn’t have the things we needed. Our mama washed things every day so we would have enough clean clothes for school. We didn’t have things like other people.” From that background comes a heart of love and caring.
“We want to show people love. It does not matter where you come from,” Douglas said.
Originally from Lubbock, Douglas moved to Altus in the mid-1980s, but it wasn’t until the late 1990s that she started Mission on Wheels. It’s been a struggle, but Douglas is determined to continue her missionary efforts.
“I’ll stay at it as long as I can with good health and strength,” she said. “I wanted to close down but He (God) told me to work a little longer. I know there’s still work to be done because we help a lot of people get clothes, fans during the summer, food and prom dresses for young girls. We help a lot of young women with their children.”
Mission on Wheels is a tax-exempt nonprofit. For more information, visit the Facebook page or email Douglas at ednadouglas55@ gmail.com.