MINUTE FOR MISSION - CHRISTMAS FAMILIES
The Mission Committee meets on the first Thursday of every month. In October, we had a guest speaker, Carolina Fermin. She is a social worker at East Hampton High School. She is the coordinator we work with on our Christmas Family mission. Carolina shared with us that we are the only church participating in this project which surprised us. The school faculty, local businesses, community members and the Masons also contribute. She told us that there are between 27 and 32 families in the district who apply for Christmas assistance each year. She also reaches out to families she knows could use help. No one is turned away even if they are late in asking.
The district social workers work together so as not to duplicate recipients or leave any children out. Although for us it feels more personal to give requested items like a doll or bike, the coordination for the social workers is a nightmare and makes it difficult to make sure each child receives an equal amount. With gift cards, the children can get exactly what they want. Visa or Master Cards are best in $20 to $50 denominations. They are better because they can be used in any store. TJMaxx and Target cards are also okay but Visa and Master Card are preferred. They have been able to give each child between $120 to $150 each year. Carolina added that the Stop ‘n’ Shop gift cards we’ve donated have been given to families who are really (especially) in need – such as single mothers and families affected by illness or job loss.
Please do what you can to help make a happy Christmas for our local families. We will be collecting gift cards on Sunday, December 10. Or you can drop the cards off in the church office any time. The cards will be taken to the high school on Dec. 11.
Thank you for helping in any way that you can. The families will be happy and grateful. Jesus said – it is better (more blessed) to give than to receive!