As we near the season of Advent and prepare to welcome the Christ child, we have two opportunities to make God’s love visible by helping local children and families during the Christmas season: Fostering Futures and Family to Family Christmas.
For many years, our congregation has generously provided Christmas gifts of clothing, toys, and food for families in need referred by the Washtenaw County Department of Health and Human Services through Family to Family Christmas. We now also partner with local non-profit Fostering Futures to provide gifts to foster children, adding to this meaningful local mission. The need is great, and we have again committed to helping approximately 40 foster children and 40 families this these programs this Christmas season.
This year, we ask you to consider giving from the heart by participating in this good work in any of the following ways. One online form enables you to sign up to help children or families in either or both programs:
Provide Gifts for a Foster Child.
Sign up online to request information on a foster child to assist beginning November 3 through November 30. Once you receive the gift information, purchase the requested items, place in a gift bag (but do not wrap the gifts), and bring to the church by December 1.
Adopt a Family.
Sign up online to request information on a family to adopt beginning November 10 through December 9. Families range from elderly or disabled individuals to families of 6 or more. The recommended minimum amount to spend per family member is ~$30 (you need only buy gifts for children 18 and under and senior citizens). Once you have received the family information, contact the family to let them know they have a donor, clarify gift needs, and determine a delivery method. Family-to-Family is a person to person project, and we encourage donors to communicate with their families during what can be an isolating time. Suggested delivery options include: dropping the gifts at the family’s home; shipping gifts to the family; or delivering or sending gift cards. You may also request that a volunteer deliver your gifts on your behalf.
Donation.
Make a financial contribution of any amount (please indicate Family-to-Family). Your donation will help purchase gift cards for families or children not directly assisted, and may also be used to assist families at U-M/Mott Hospital during the holidays.
Volunteer.
Give the gift of your time. Volunteers are needed to help deliver gifts to families on Sunday, December 15—or ask about other way you might help!
For more information or to sign up, use the online sign-up link or contact Julie Morrison at jdornmorrison@gmail.com or 734-646-5351.