We know the needs in our community are great in the midst of caring for the most vulnerable at this time. This email contains several service and outreach opportunities that you can do at this time.

*New volunteer opportunities are marked with a ★
★ In an effort to bring hope and light to thousands of migrants in the United States, Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS) has launched its fifth-annual Hope for the Holidays campaign. The program collects cards and gifts for distribution at migrant detention centers across the country and at shelters along the border, reminding individuals and families that they are not forgotten during the holiday season. Click below to go to the LIRS website and learn how you can participate.
At our Worship on the Way we will be collecting peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for the Welcome Bread ministry for those experiencing homelessness in Philadelphia. Click below to download all the information and instructions.
You can help Caring for Friends by developing “caring notes” for snack bags. Caring for Friends provides meals for homebound and hungry people in the Philadelphia area. Click below to see the instructions to make "caring notes."
KenCrest has identified a number of items that they are in need of at their centers. This list includes items for both their Early Learning Centers in Philadelphia, as well as their Community Living Homes which serve over 500 adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Items range from personal protective equipment and cleaning supplies that they continue to need because of the pandemic, as well as items to keep those we serve engaged during the stay-at-home orders. Our Early Learning Centers opened on June 22, and continue to serve children throughout the summer months, with heightened precautions and cleaning. Items for the Early Learning Centers include toys, arts and craft supplies, and more. You can purchase these items from their Amazon Wish List. You can choose to have items sent directly to KenCrest.
Feast of Justice, a Lutheran ministry in Northeast Philadelphia, has been providing support for over 1,500 families each week.

Currently, Feast of Justice is in need of diapers for the community. To donate, call Feast of Justice to arrange a drop off time or have donations shipped directly to their location. Click the link below to access that contact information or to sign up to volunteer at Feast of Justice.
Help provide needed items to The Welcome Church and The Well. Wish lists have been created for Target and Amazon. You can click the links below to shop directly from those sites and mail the needed items directly to The Welcome Church and The Well. (Be sure to select the correct address at checkout!)
Cradles to Crayons is now receiving donations at their Giving Factory through contactless donation drop containers (SmartBoxes are located in the parking lot near the main entrance). In addition, C2C has developed a volunteer opportunity database and at home service opportunities. You can search for opportunities by location and find ways to help in the area or from home. Click below to go to their website and use the Volunteer Match on the homepage to connect to local volunteer opportunities.
Media Food Bank is receiving donations Monday to Friday from 12 noon - 2 pm. You can take donations of basic food supplies, household supplies, and personal hygiene items directly to the Media Food Bank located at First Church Media.
Lutheran Settlement House (LSH) is in need of volunteers every weekday morning to pack food and organize daily produce deliveries. If you are able to volunteer at LSH please click the button below to email Erica Zaveloff, LSH Director of Development and Communications, to coordinate volunteering.
Paul's Run Retirement Community is receiving notes of cheer and good wishes for their residents. Paul's Run is a Lutheran care community but home to people of many faith traditions so please make notes general well wishes that can be shared with everyone! Notes can be mailed addressed to: Chaplain at Paul's Run, 9896 Bustleton Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19115.
The Red Cross is in need of blood donations. If you are able to donate, visit the Red Cross website to locate a drive soon near you. Click below to connect to their website now.
ELCA Advocacy is working closely on government programs to support those with needs caused or enhanced by the pandemic. Click below to visit the ELCA Advocacy website to earn about the work they are doing, find resources, and links to connect to elected officials.
The greatest resource that local agencies are in need of is financial support. We encourage you to give to our Holiday Offering. You can contribute by mailing a check to the church, use bill pay through your bank, or give through our secure online platform. The link below will give you additional information about all of these giving options. Your gifts will enable Reformation to provide immediate support to these important local partners such as Philabundance, Chester Eastside, Inc., and Caring for Friends.
One of greatest things you can do is check in on your neighbors that might be in need of assistance at this time - such as providing meals, picking up groceries, getting prescriptions. If this is something that you are able to provide for other Reformation members and friends please click below to sign up.
You can access a full list of our community partners and connect directly to the agencies. Once social distancing restrictions are lifted, our community action ministry team will be busy coordinating site visits and engagement days for many partners on this list.
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