May 19, 2025

C.R.O.S.S. Ministries celebrates 15 years

By Candra Brooks

The daughters of Mike Sitzman (second, third and fourth from left), founder of C.R.O.S.S. Ministries, cut a ribbon at the opening of C.R.O.S.S.’s new building. Here, they stand in front of the medical supply area, where people near and far can come to get needed medical supplies and equipment. Also pictured are board members of Osceola Chamber-Main Street and Clarke County Development Corporation, the latter of whom awarded a PILLARS grant to C.R.O.S.S. to use towards construction costs. (OST Candra Brooks)

On June 1, C.R.O.S.S. Ministries had a ribbon cutting for their newest building that contains a fellowship hall and a new, organized medical supply area. The building at 1610 N. Main was the final project that Mike Sitzman was working toward before he passed in September 2022.

History

In 2001, Sitzman established the non-profit organization C.R.O.S.S. (Christian Relief of Supplies and Services) Ministries to help recover medical equipment and supplies that would otherwise be thrown out.

Having done missionary work in Romania, Sitzman had seen how needed such supplies were, and desired to help reduce medical waste. Soon, he began acquiring those items that would otherwise be destined for the landfill, taking them home and storing them to be sent to places in need.

“Our home, our garage turned into our medical store room,” said Sitzman’s daughter Breana Sitzman.

In June 2008, Sitzman opened the C.R.O.S.S. Ministries thrift store at 1610 North Main. The initial intent of the thrift store was to collect medical supplies and equipment, plus generate revenue to pay for the gas and upkeep of trucks to transport those supplies.

The thrift store soon turned into more, and since its inception has helped families and residents near and far in all walks of life and situations.

From families who have fallen on hard times or have suffered losses, C.R.O.S.S. works to help them get back items they need to rebuild.

“The store ended up being a blessing, too. Just all kind of worked together…[it] all just works in such great unity, it’s beautiful, it’s really beautiful,” said store manager Kerry Huddleson.

The new building

The new building at C.R.O.S.S. was much needed to accommodate the ever growing operation. The fellowship hall and garage are places where members of the community can come together to talk, work on projects and maybe learn a new skill.

“[Mike] wanted community to come in,” said Rodney Sloan, friend of Sitzman.

In the medical supply part of the building, having everything labeled and organized will be of immense help to those people who come to C.R.O.S.S. seeking such supplies.

From missionaries to people who may not be able to afford needed medical equipment, they can come to C.R.O.S.S. and get those supplies at no cost; it does not matter if the person is local or not.

The medical supplies that C.R.O.S.S. receives comes from a variety of places, from private donations to hospitals or nursing homes who are getting updated equipment.

Donations

Donations of all kinds are welcome at C.R.O.S.S., from medical supplies to clothes, toys, furniture and more. Hours of donation are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and the staff requests people to only donate during those hours. Items left after hours or on Sundays are left outside exposed to the elements, and cannot be used if they are ruined due to weather.

“We want people to be able to use them…bring it on it, we’ll gladly take it. It’ll get used one way or the other,” said Huddleson.

Those at C.R.O.S.S. use everything that comes through in donations with nothing going to waste.

“A lot of things we reuse...nothing’s a throwaway, and that’s with the people, too. Mike was big on that - there’s no throwaways,” said Sloan.

Honoring Sitzman’s memory

C.R.O.S.S. Ministries’ mission statement for is “to reach out into the world with the love of Christ, caring for the physical and spiritual needs of those oppressed by poverty and despair,” and that is something that the family and friends of Sitzman plan to continue on for many years to come.

“It’s planting those little seeds of faith in someone’s heart, hope it grows. Let them come in, love them with the love of Christ,” said Huddleson.

“It encompasses the whole place. What a statement to a man who just believed in God - God will provide,” said Sloan.

“It makes a huge difference knowing we can help everyone in the community, outside the community. Just being able to continue Dad’s legacy or vision on making sure everyone who needs help gets the help that they need,” said Breana.

Candra Brooks

A native of rural Union County, Candra holds a Bachelor's Degree in English from Simpson College and an Associate's Degree in Accounting from SWCC. She has been at the Osceola newspaper since October 2013, working as office manager before transitioning to the newsroom in spring 2022.