The Summer Essential Item Drive was a huge success!  Over 2,200 items were collected from June - September.  Many items were donated by congregation members and additional items were purchased with a Thrivent Action Team Grant and Social Outreach funds. The items collected benefitted two local charities - On the Move Homeless Outreach and the Helping Up Mission, both in Baltimore. 

• On Sunday, September 8, 2024, a congregation-wide service project to assemble hygiene kits for On the Move Homeless Outreach was held in honor of ELCA’s God’s Work Our Hands Service Sunday. More than 40 volunteers of all ages participated in the service project and assembled 132 hygiene kits, which included more than 1,100 toiletry items such as shampoo, deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, washcloths, razors, and shaving cream. The hygiene kits along with additional hygiene items were delivered to On the Move Homeless Outreach in time for the charity to distribute many of the items directly to homeless and at-risk community members during a Pop-up-Pantry event they held on September 21, 2024 in the Baltimore area. 
• The remaining essential items collected benefitted Helping Up Mission's Women's Hope Tote Campaign. More than 1,100 items were delivered to Helping Up Mission, including towels, journals, shampoo, body wash, lotion, brushes, underwear, diapers, and baby wipes. These items will be given to at risk women and new moms who seek support through the Helping Up Mission's Spiritual Recovery Program

Thank you so much to everyone who supported this important outreach activity this summer by donating items and assembling hygiene kits.  A special thanks to Betty Kerwin for receiving a Thrivent grant for this drive, Sally Murphy for shopping for and purchasing many needed items, and John Bell for helping deliver the items to the charities. These essential items make a positive impact on our at-risk community members by helping boost self-esteem and sending a message that someone cares.

Thanks for helping to make a difference!

Sue Bell

Next Social Outreach event - Grassroots Meal - Saturday, October 26, 2024: Volunteers are still needed to help serve the meal (11:30 am - 3:00 pm). Please sign-up on the Grassroots SignUp Genius Site or contact Sue Bell If you would like to help.

Thanks for your support!

Sue Bell

Chair