Each year I always hear about the phenomenal needs homeless people and poverty stricken families have during the holidays. The other day I was listening to our local Christian station and they said that our local mission "The Open Door Mission" expects a 37% INCREASE of people coming to Thanksgiving Dinner this year. I find that amazing. These families don't have a home to go to filled with family, football, snacks and a huge turkey - BUT they do have a family that has opened their doors to them.
Will you?
One of my goals of this blog is to share ways families can give to others. It doesn't matter your faith, your financial ability, or who you are - we can ALL give to others. You can volunteer your time, go through your closets, knit or crochet up mittens and hats or make up those wonderful tied fleece blankets to give to a child.
I am officially kicking off what I hope will become an annual event - Mittens 4 Missions. I would like each of you to consider donating 2 sets of mittens/gloves and 2 hats per family. If you can afford to - consider doing more. It's a small thing - but we all know how we feel when we are lonely or sad and someone does something nice for us. It fills our hearts with warmth.
Would you please consider giving to them this year? Either monetarily or by committing to give your local mission at least 2 pairs of mittens or gloves and 2 hats?
Is there a mission in YOUR area?
I thought I'd tell you about the Missions I'm aware of. You may know of others or maybe these missions are in your area. I will also list a link to the needs that these missions have and a way for you to give to them:
Omaha - The Open Door Mission -
The Open Door Mission is situated by the airport and provides a home, a bed, a warm meal and an open heart to men and women who need a place to come to. I've heard of families who have lost their home due to a fire going afterwards because they don't have anywhere else to go.
What they need:
"We need your help to collect turkeys (lots of them) and other traditional Thanksgiving dinner items to prepare more than 5,000 Turkey 'N Fixin's food boxes for the Heartland's hungry. We would gratefully welcome your contribution of any of the item's listed."
 |
| Thanksgiving Dinner @ PGM |
Chicago - The Pacific Garden Mission. According to their website: "Pacific Garden Mission is the oldest, continuously operating rescue mission in the country." On an average night, over 500 homeless men, women and children receive safe, clean and warm shelter at Pacific Garden Mission. During the cold winter months that number climbs well above 800. In addition to a clean, comfortable bed, pacific Garden Mission also provides food and clothing, as well as medical & dental care, if needed. pastors and counselors provide needed spiritual help. Everything is provided FREE of charge to all who enter "the doors that never close".
Also known for their ministry "Unshackled" - the longest running radio drama in America. This radio drama tells true stories of men and women in all kinds of situations and their outcome when they finally turn to Christ.
Both missions have served thousands of people for over 100 years combined and continues to help them daily by providing a bed, a warm meal, a listening ear and by sharing the love of Christ for each of them.
Prompt #1: Please feel free to share your story or about a mission in your area in the comments following. Thank you!
Prompt #2: Take a picture of your family donating Mittens/Gloves & Hats to your local City Mission! Send your picture to: familyliteracy2 (at) gmail.com if you would like to show your family giving to others (no names will be posted but I would like to post the name of the mission, city/state). Please put Mittens 4 Missions in the subject line.
PS: I SO appreciate all the comments below. Mittens 4 Missions is kind of my own thing. I was trying to come up with something that wouldn't be really expensive that people could participate in. I'm only working 15-20 hours right now after being laid off - and I thought that I can do at least 2 pairs of gloves and 2 hats if nothing else. If you'd like to join in - I'd love that. Likely there isn't going to be a Mittens 4 Missions near you since it's an online thing I set up =D
Operation Christmas Child - someone commented on that program. It's a wonderful program and many churches, schools and families participate in that one. If you'd like more info it's at: https://www.facebook.com/OCCshoeboxes?sk=app_153284594738391
I received a neat "Tree" a few weeks back from Dayspring and and loved it so much I contacted the company to see if I could feature it this week on Holiday Traditions & Gift Ideas! They said "Sure You Can" - and here we are!
