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Ongoing Outreach Opportunities
CWU Update: The Church Women United of Manatee County met at Manatee United Methodist Church on November 20th for its annual Migrant Tea to benefit migrant children. Seventy-five women from seventeen churches brought their donations of clothing, shoes, blankets, toiletries, and toys, which are distributed to the children at Christmas. Migrant children from the Tillman School of the Manatee School District sang several songs. They were given toys and enjoyed juice and cookies. More than $500 was collected during the offering to aid the migrant families. The Chapel contributed more than 100 blankets, a laundry basket full of shoes, underwear, diapers, clothing raning from infants to teenagers, jackets, and toys. PLEASE JOIN US TO KNIT BLANKETS AND SHOP FOR BARGAINS AS WE BEGIN TO COLLECT DONATIONS FOR NEXT YEAR'S MIGRANT TEA.
Chapel Outreach Activities
All Faiths Food Bank
Please don't forget the All Faiths Food Bank! Donations may be placed in the bin in the main entrance. Sister Nora's Stillpoint House of Prayer (see below) is particularly in need of pinto and red beans as well as rice. These items may be placed in the designated basked in the Fellowship Hall.
The All Faiths Food Bank distributes approximately 4 million pounds of food a year through its non-profit agency partners who operate feeding and hunger relief programs in Sarasota and DeSoto Counties. That's equivalent to 246,000 meals per month. Donations are welcome throughout the year.
Church Women United Migrant Tea
Chapel members and friends are encouraged to shop for bargains in preparation for the "Migrant Tea", which is hosted by Church Women United in mid-November. Items that are needed include clothing for boys and girls sizes 0-18. Look for socks and underwear, tops, t-shirts, polo shirts, and sweatshirts priced under $5; or shorts, long pants, or jackets priced under $10. Homemade blankets are also welcome. Items can be placed in the appropriate basket in the Fellowship Hall. Save your receipts for when you itemize your deductions!
Community Coalition for the Homeless
The Chapel is collecting shampoo, deodorant, soap, and hand lotion for the Coalition for the Homeless. A basket is available in the Fellowship Hall. The small, hotel-sized items are very much appreciated; so you can engage in "outreach" even as you travel. The Coalition could also use blue jeans for their clothes closet. Voluntees are also welcome.
Harry and Anne Ferries Scholarship Fund
2009 Fall Academic Sholars: Andrew Fortenberry, Miranda Jane Gabrielsen, Victoria Leonard, and Mark Whitley
Twice a year the Chapel's Scholarship Committee receives applications for scholarships through the Harry and Anne Ferries Scholarship Fund. Recipients are based upon outstanding academic achievement, leadership in school, extra-curricular activities, involvement in community service, and work experience. Preference is give to applicants planning to attend a Florida school. Scholarship applications are avaible through the Chapel office for both the fall and spring semesters.
Manatee Habitat for Humanity
Chapel members and friends meet on the third Saturday of the month to build homes on behalf of the Manatee Habitat for Humanity. The Chapel has sponsored its own Habitat house, and has begun working at a new Habitat site, located at the corner of 25th Street West and 2nd Avenue North in Palmetto. A carpool leaves from the Chapel parking lot at 7:30 a.m. Please sign up in the Fellowship Hall.
Rubonia Day Care Center
The Chapel supports the Rubonia Day Care Center through donating used clothing, bedding, useful household items, and toys for migrant workers and their children. Diapers and books for pre-school under the age of five are also needed. A collection bin is located in the closet off the main Fellowship Hall.
Stillpoint House of Prayer and Healing
Sister Nora Brick has been working with the poor for over 40 years, and is currently serving migrant families and others in need by offering food, financial assistance, and prayer and meditaiton group. Donations of food and clothing and be placed in the designated basket in the Fellowship Hall. Volunteers are also needed.
The Dr. Jim Marsh Memorial Book Fund
Through gifts in memory of the late Rev. Marsh, a book fund of $4,000 was established in 2008 in consideration of his commitment to higher education and the students he served at Manatee Community College. A total of $1,000 is avaiable for each academic year for up to four years. For more informations, please contact the Chapel office.
Electa A. Lee Midde School Chamber Orchestra with Director, Emily Suydam
On Sunday, April 26, 2009, Board President Judy Achre presented a check from the Chapel on behalf of the Outreach Committee in suport of this community program.
The Longboat Island Chapel's 2008 Outreach Program
Making a Difference
Arts Council of Manatee County - $1,000
Provides cultural opportunities for all children, including those with special needs. Promotes special venues and opportunities for local literary, performing, and visual arts to people of all ages.
Community Coalition on the Homeless - $5,000
Advocates on behalf of the homeless, or those at risk of becoming homeless. Provides direct services as well as leadership in addressing the issue of homelessness.
Community Coalition on the Homeless - Open Door Emergency Fund - $500
Reponds to emergency requests for assistance, such as medication, transportation, etc.
Community Coalition on the Homeless - Our Daily Bread - $2,000
One-time grant toward the completion of the Our Daily Bread kitchen at the CCH One-Stop Cener to be located in Manatee County.
Food Bank of Manatee County* - $1,769
Includes offering from the 2008 Longboat Key Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service.
Habitat for Humanity - $260
Haitian Mission Project - $1, 472
Jim Russo Prison Ministry - $2,697
In consultation with prison chaplains, ensures that every child of a Florida inmate receives a present during the holidays.
The Migrant Tea - $669
An ecumenical program through Church Women United in consultation with the School Board of manatee County, distributes blankets, clothing and toys to the children of migrant workers.
Our Daily Bread - $1,000
Prepares, cooks, and serves a hot meal to the homeless and needy seven days a week, including holidays.
Stillpoint House of Prayer - $5,845
Provides crisis intervention and ongoing support services to the community, including stop-gap financing for rent, utilities, and water. Offers assistance with job referrals, literacy, citizenship. The Chapel also contributed over 400 gifts as part of the Angel Tree collection and valued at $4,000.
Other Support - $2,393
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