New Year New Opportunities to Support Our Community Through Clothing and Food Drives

As the new year begins, it brings a fresh chance to make a meaningful impact in our community. Many families face challenges, especially during the colder months, and our church is stepping up to help meet some of these urgent needs. This season, the worship team, food pantry, and our Wesley nurse Patsy are organizing several drives to collect essential items for children, families, and those experiencing homelessness. These efforts offer a practical way for everyone to contribute and support those around us.

Supporting Children with Socks, Underwear, Belts, and Joggers

Children in Pre-K through 5th grade often need basic clothing items that many take for granted. The worship team is leading a socks and undies drive that collects new children’s socks, underwear, belts, and joggers. These items are essential for comfort, hygiene, and confidence at school and home.

How You Can Help

• Donate new children’s socks and underwear in sizes suitable for Pre-K to 5th grade.

• Include belts and joggers that are new or gently used and clean.

• Drop off donations at the church collection point before mid-January.

  
  

By providing these items, we help children feel cared for and ready to focus on learning and growing without discomfort or embarrassment.

Food Pantry Needs: Rice, Beans, Peanut Butter, and Baby Formula

Food insecurity remains a pressing issue for many families in our community. Our church’s food pantry is a vital resource, but supplies run low quickly. Right now, the pantry especially needs:

• Rice

• Beans

• Peanut butter

• Baby formula

  
  

Why These Foods Are Important

• Rice and beans are affordable, nutritious staples that can feed families for multiple meals.

• Peanut butter offers protein and calories, important for growing children.

• Baby formula is critical for infants whose mothers cannot breastfeed or need supplemental nutrition.

  
  

Ways to Contribute

• Purchase any of these items during your grocery trips and bring them to the church.

• Consider buying in bulk if possible, as it helps the pantry serve more families.

• Encourage friends and neighbors to join the effort.

  
  

Every donation helps stretch the pantry’s resources and ensures families have access to healthy food.

Wesley Nurse Patsy’s Blanket Drive for the Homeless

Our Wesley nurse, Patsy, is organizing a blanket drive to collect new or gently used blankets for people experiencing homelessness. As temperatures drop, warm blankets can make a significant difference in comfort and health.

How to Participate

• Donate blankets that are clean and in good condition.

• New blankets are especially appreciated but gently used ones are accepted.

• Drop off donations with Patsy or at designated church locations.

  
  

This drive helps protect vulnerable community members from harsh weather and shows them they are not forgotten.

How These Drives Strengthen Our Community

These clothing and food drives do more than provide material goods. They build connections, foster compassion, and remind us all of the power of community support. When we come together to meet basic needs, we create a foundation for hope and resilience.

Benefits Beyond Donations

• Volunteers gain a sense of purpose and connection.

• Recipients feel valued and supported.

• The church strengthens its role as a community hub.

  
  

Getting Involved Beyond Donations

If you want to do more than donate items, consider these options:

• Volunteer to sort and distribute donations.

• Help spread the word through community networks.

• Organize a small group to collect items from neighbors or workplaces.

  
  

Your time and energy are just as valuable as physical donations.