Making Provision for the Homeless: An Ingathering at Christ Church

“For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing” (Matthew 25:35)

On Sunday, December 13th at 11am, Christ Church will host a very special outreach and fellowship event. Here’s the plan. First, bring your contribution to one of the initiatives listed below and drop it off at the East Entrance. Then, find a parking spot, roll down your windows, and listen to Christmas carols sung by socially distanced members of the choir. There will also be an opportunity to enjoy carefully prepared holiday cookies, and to share in a blessing of the donations and a prayer for all those in need.

In addition to offering an opportunity for in-person gathering, this event was organized by the outreach team to provide Christ Church with an opportunity to support several projects in our community that aim to address the escalating homelessness and food insecurity problem, which the Springfield City Commission has declared a public health crisis. Here are the ways you can give aid to those who are in great need.

• The Sock and Underwear Drive. IHN needs socks and undergarments for all genders and ages.
• Hygiene Products for Men and Women. IHN could use the whole gamut: soap, shampoo, toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, shaving gel, razors, tampons, sanitary pads (thinner ones), chap stick, and hand sanitizer.
• Toilet Paper for the Food Pantry. The Christ Church Food Pantry is back in business, but without much traffic in the church, the donations of toilet paper have fallen off. Your contributions can help Christ Church better serve the people who face challenges in addressing their basic needs.
• Donations. There are three good ways to direct a financial contribution.
  • Cooler Packs. Because there is no more available shelter in our community, IHN would like to provide those who can’t be taken in with a cooler for food and a cold weather kit, which includes blankets for those living in cars. Each cooler pack costs $100, and IHN is aiming to have 100 to offer. (There are currently over 200 people on IHN’s waiting list.)
  • The Christ Church Food Pantry. This congregation’s effort to address food insecurity can always use financial support.
  • Second Harvest Food Bank. Second Harvest has seen more demand in 2020 than ever before, and direct contributions do the SHFB maximizes your food buying power.

Thanks for being part of a compassionate response to this rising need in our community and for contributing to the outdoor fellowship on December 13th.