December 19, 2013 in Communications, Faith in action, Social Ministry
Congregations Collect $100K for Needy
For this year’s Christmas Ingathering, about 70 congregations collected donations for vulnerable people.
On Dec. 1, more than 100 volunteers (mostly from Gloria Dei Church, Huntingdon Valley) unpacked trucks, sorted donations and repacked them for delivery.
The items, valued at about $100,000, will serve people locally and internationally.
Some highlights of the Ingathering included:
- Congregations gave about 1000 gifts for children in care through Lutheran Children and Family Service.
- Boxes of toiletries and hundreds of socks were given for Philadelphia Lutheran Ministry serving men who are homeless.
- Lutheran Settlement House received a van-load of new underwear, toiletries and gloves to serve women and children at risk.
- Hundreds of “Personal Care Kits” were assembled and delivered to local institutions that care for people with disabilities, adjudicated youth, people with mental illness and people overcoming addiction.
- A 15’ truck was filled to the brim with quilts used for shelter and various supply kits for Lutheran World Relief (www.lwr.org) to assist people recovering from disaster and economic challenges throughout the world.
- More than 200 bags of non-perishable food were distributed to food pantries in the city of Philadelphia.
The Ingathering has been a SEPA tradition for 46 years. It is managed by Liberty Lutheran through its Lutheran Congregational Services affiliate.
Thanks to everyone who participated. Mark your calendar to participate next fall!
See more photos at http://on.fb.me/J8jZrC
